Transforming Women’s Lives Through Economic Empowerment: The Case of The Women’s Enterprise Fund in Laikipia County (2007-2020)

Abstract

This study explored women’s experiences with the Women’s Enterprise Fund (WEF) in Laikipia County, Kenya, from 2007 to 2020, focusing on the fund's role in advancing women’s economic empowerment. The research aimed to answer key questions regarding women’s experiences, the impact of WEF design on fund uptake, its contributions to transformative change, and lessons for policy and future women’s funding initiatives. Guided by Grounded Theory and a Feminist perspective, the study collected qualitative and quantitative data through in-depth interviews, Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), and Key Informant Interviews. Thirty women from two constituencies and six WEF credit officers were interviewed, with purposive sampling used to select fund recipients and managers. The WEF funds were invested in diverse projects, including farming, poultry, land acquisition, and business startups. Findings indicated that the fund significantly empowered women both economically and socially. It provided access to funds to previously difficult due to collateral requirements and stringent regulations in the formal banking sector. Additionally, training enhanced their entrepreneurship skills, improving financial management. Women’s groups facilitated mutual learning and strengthened social capital. The study found that the WEF led to transformative changes, including improved living standards, business growth, and increased economic independence. However, challenges in WEF procedures, such as inadequate training, delays in loan disbursement, small loan limits, and short grace periods, hindered full economic transformation. The study recommends improving communication, adopting more flexible lending policies, increasing loan amounts, diversifying loan products, and enhancing the number of WEF officers and training programs for better resource management and loan accessibility.