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Article Title:
The Role of Family Support in Performance of Women-Operated Micro and Small Enteprises in Eldoret, Kenya
by Beatrice H. O. Ohutso Imbaya

Abstract:
This paper examines the extent to which family support affects the performance of women in Micro and Small Scale Enterprises (MSE) based on a study of Eldoret Municipality. The study was a social survey of 175 female operated enterprises in Town Centre, Huruma and Langas estates of the Municipality. The estates were picked using multistage area sampling. Quantitative data was collected through a questionnaire survey. Key informant interviews and observation methods were used to collect qualitative data. The data collected through questionnaire survey was analysed using descriptive statistics, and the qualitative data from in-depth interviews and observations were transcribed and used to confirm, amend and reject the findings of the questionnaire survey. It was found that female operated enterprises in Eldoret Municipality have low entrepreneurial success due to little or no family support among other factors. To achieve growth, it was recommended that women entrepreneurs should redefine their situation so that they see business as a means to greater prosperity for them and their families. Families of women entrepreneurs should also support their initiatives by assisting both at household and business level to enable these women to exploit their full potential in business. The study provides knowledge that could be of great value to MSE stakeholders in providing support to women entrepreneurs to enhance their contribution to national development.

Keywords: role, family support, performance, women-operated micro, small enterprises, Eldoret, Kenya.

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