Contribution of saving and internal lending communities (silc) on women economic empowerment in Igembe South Constituency, Meru County, Kenya

Abstract

This study assessed the contribution of Savings and Internal Lending Communities (SILC) in Igembe South Constituency, Meru County Kenya. The study was guided by three specific objectives: to explore the effect of SILC on economic empowerment among women in Igembe South Constituency, Meru County; to assess the Merits and Limitations of SILC on the empowerment of women in Igembe South Constituency, Meru County and finally; to examine the drivers of success of SILC model in the empowerment of women in Igembe South Constituency, Meru County. The study applied social capital and solidarity theories to explain the phases of economic empowerment in a social set up. Further, the study adopted descriptive research design, simple random and purposive sampling designs. The study comprised a sample size of 347 mainly women from SILC groups within Igembe South Constituency, Meru County. The main data collection method was the questionnaire. The data was analyzed with the aid of SPSS software using both descriptive and inferential analysis. Descriptive and inferential statistics were utilized to analyze the quantitative data. Descriptive statistics such as, measuring the relative frequencies, central tendency, frequency distribution tables, and variability were used to analyze data while inferential statistics used included the linear relationship between the response and explanatory variables. The study identified many drivers that enhance women's empowerment that included the need; to save (pension, insurance), to raise business capital, save for school fees (for children), save for social activity, and for better facilities, amongst others. On the other hand, the study identified the barriers that hinder women from acquiring the services of SILC such as lack of education opportunities, community disputes, and members' cooperation and confidence as well. The study recommends that: With the vast merits and limitations of SILC, the study recommends the group leaders of women empowerments the program to evaluate the merits and make sure they uplift every member of the group. Further, the study recommends the empowering of groups to resolve these limitations to reduce their negative impacts, hence promote the entrepreneurial power of women. Generally, with positive impacts of drivers and merits of SILC, the study recommends that group leaders be at the forefront to always point out appropriate drivers that will enhance quality group and individual output and merits attained from the empowerments. This will greatly reduce the negative forces that challenges entrepreneurial activity.