MICROENTERPRISE INTERVENTIONS AND PERFORMANCE OF LOW INCOME HOUSEHOLDS IN KENYA: A CASE OF SMALL ENTERPRISE OWNERS IN KIAMBU COUNTY

Abstract

This study explored the effect of microenterprise interventions on performance of low-income households in Kiambu County, Kenya who received entrepreneurship training from various microfinances (MFIs) in the year 2024. A descriptive research design was adopted, targeting 152 microenterprise operators, of whom 111 successfully participated. Data were analyzed using SPSS through both descriptive and inferential statistics. The regression results revealed that business skills training had a statistically significant positive effect on household performance (R = 0.578; R² = 0.334; Adjusted R² = 0.336; F (1,109) = 52.289, p < 0.001; β = 0.421, t = 2.492, p < 0.001). These findings indicated that business skills training accounted for approximately 33.4% of the variation in household performance. Respondents who had received business skills training reported improved record keeping, business planning, customer relation, and profitability. The study concluded that capacity-building initiatives focusing on business skills development significantly enhanced microenterprise sustainability and household welfare. The study thus recommended for integration of entrepreneurial training with mentorship and access to finance to strengthen the resilience and performance of low-income households in Kenya.