Current and Future Trends on Kipsigis Women Engagement on Social Economic Activities in Kericho and Bomet Counties, Kenya

Abstract

Purpose: Women continue to be essential contributors to both rural and urban economies all over the world. In this regard, Kipsigis women of Bomet and Kericho counties, living mainly in the rural areas, contribute to the well-being of their families and community, despite the traditional inhibitions imposed by culture, in terms of undertaking extra duties like leaving their homes in pursuance of entrepreneurship and self-transcendence. It is in this regard, that the current study on Kipsigis women roles and the effects of group socio-economic activities was proposed. The research objective sought to identify the current trends and postulate the future trends for women’s engagement in socio-economic activities.

Methodology: The study was looked at through a qualitative research method and an ethnographic research design, where different components of the study addressed the research problem. Various data collection methods were used: there were written questions in the open-ended questionnaire, oral questions in the focus group, observation and face to face interview questions. These questions were posed to the participants, who had been randomly picked to represent the rest of the population, with the view of collecting the data that was later analyzed. The study also potentially provided information that could contribute to increased investment in women’s socio-economic groups by the government as well as private sector, and can form the basis for further study to promote expansion of women socio-economic groups in the region.

Findings: The findings of the results as shown in the tables, indicate that perceptions of the youth and the public have changed in favor of the women actively participating in socio-economic activities since they have helped alleviate economic demands on the family and society. As was seen in the results, future economic trends of the Kipsigis women in the two counties, was promising, and that if women got the financial support to boost their group economic activities, they could achieve a lot, and they would succeed in supporting family and the society.

Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: They would gain knowledge and expose themselves to how business is done, since they would be working as a group, and they would be able to increase the possibility of accessing financial resources. Some of the benefits of being in a group as up-coming entrepreneurs would be evidenced when they need to venture into business and would easily qualify for tenders from the different government agencies since one of the requirements is being in a group and the group has to be registered by the government under social services.