Influence of Micro-Finance Credit on Livelihoods of Women Beneficiaries in Kisumu East Sub-County, Kenya

Maureen Anyango Oluoch – School of Arts and Social Sciences, Kisii University.
Dr. Lumayo Mildred Fedha – School of Arts and Social Sciences, Kisii University.
Dr. George Mose – Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Murang’a University of Technology
Email: lumayomildred@kisiiuniversity.ac.ke/ oluochanyango5791@gmail.com

Abstract: Traditionally, the benefits of microfinance credit on women recipients have been viewed solely in terms of their participation in economic activities and productivity, at the expense of empowerment through changes in power structures and gender relations, particularly in rural areas. The aim of this paper was to determine the influence of micro-finance credit on livelihoods of women beneficiaries in Kisumu East Sub-County, Kenya. Descriptive research design was used in this study. The target population was 375 women from 25 groups, and officers of six Micro Credit Institutions providing microfinance credit to women. Through simple random sampling, 30% of the membership (113 women) and eight Self-Help Groups were selected to participate in the study. Purposive sampling was used to obtain one (1) senior official and one (1) field officer from each of the 6 Microfinance institutions. Questionnaires, interviews and Focus Group Discussions were used to obtain both quantitative and qualitative data. Quantitative data was analyzed using percentages and means and results presented in Tables and Figures while qualitative data was thematically analyzed. The study found out that Micro-credit activities influenced livelihood of women beneficiaries. This is because women beneficiaries felt empowered financially as they gained financial stability from such investments. Additionally, women beneficiaries gained financial freedom and therefore were in a position to buy some households goods on their own without depending on their spouses. The study recommended that women should enhance their participation in micro-credit activities so as to feel more empowered financially and gain financial stability for investments.