AN ANALYSIS OF SOCIAL NETWORKS AS A DETERMINANT OF WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS STARTING ENTERPRISES IN MALE-DOMINATED SECTORS IN KENYA

Dr. Teresia Ngina Kyalo

Karatina University,

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Dr. Lucy Maina Kiganane

The Cooperative University College of Kenya,

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

CITATION: Kyalo, N., T., & Kiganane, M., L. (2016). An Analysis of Social Networks as A Determinant of Women Entrepreneurs Starting Enterprises in Male-Dominated Sectors in Kenya. International Journal of Arts and Entrepreneurship. Vol. 5(10) pp 41- 56.

ABSTRACT

Women constitute more than half of the population of Kenya and make a significant contribution to the economy accounting for about 48% of all micro, small, and medium sized enterprises contributing about 20% to Kenya's Gross Domestic Product. Studies have revealed that, Kenyan women are competing with their male counterparts in starting businesses in previously male dominated sectors of the economy. social networks is a determinant of women entrepreneurs to start enterprises in male dominated sectors. Social Learning Theory, Sociology Theory, and Network Affiliation Theory were adopted as the theoretical framework for the study. Descriptive and exploratory research designs were used. Data was collected using a questionnaire, analysed using SPSS and presented by the use of descriptive and inferential statistics. The study established that social networks influenced women entrepreneurs to start enterprises in male dominated sectors. The study recommended the need to introduce concepts related to women entrepreneurship in schools colleges and university curricula to demystify entrepreneurship as a male vocation and provide proper networking amongst women entrepreneurs with affiliations at national level for dissemination of information, financing, facilitating technology transfer and monitoring.

Key words: Entrepreneurship, women entrepreneurs in male dominated sectors, social networks.

Full Text PDF Format