IOSR Journal Of Humanities And Social Science (IOSR-JHSS) Volume 16, Issue 6 (Nov. - Dec. 2013), PP 116-124 e-ISSN: 2279-0837, p-ISSN: 2279-0845. www.Iosrjournals.Org www.iosrjournals.org 116 | Page Constraints Facing Women Entrepreneurs In Kenya:A Case Study OfMicro And Small Enterprisesin Kisii County Kepha Osoro 1 ,Abel Mokoro 2 Douglas Nyamongo 3 James Areba 4 1 KephaMomanyiOsoroJomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology Kisii CBD Campus P.o Box 268-40200 Kisii 2 Abel MokoroKisii University P.o Box 408-40200 Kisii 3 Douglas NyamongoJomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology Kisii CBD Campus P.o Box 268-40200 Kisii 4 James ArebaJomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology Kisii CBD Campus P.o Box 268-40200 Kisii Abstract: Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) are acknowledged in Kenya as significant contributors to economic growth and are estimated to contribute 20% and 72% to the GDP and employment respectively. Despite this, it is estimated that MSEs continue to have a deteriorating performance with 3 in every 5 failing within months of establishment. This research sought to investigate and establish constraints facing women owned enterprises in micro and small enterprises in Western part of Kenya; focusing on Kisii county. The specific objectives were to identify the main constraints to the performance of women entrepreneurs, determine those constraints that uniquely affect women, analyze the influence of the constraints on performance of MSEs. From a population of 2,990 women entrepreneurs engaged in MSEs, a sample of 200 was selected randomly and a survey was conducted on this sample using both structured and un-structured interview schedules. Data from the respondents was analyzed and translated into useful information using percentages and the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS). Frequency distributions and tables were used to draw conclusions. Main constraints identified were: lack of finance, legal constraints and lack of security/collateral. Women entrepreneurs cope with these constraints by diversifying in business and training. The study concluded that despite the many constraints that they face, women entrepreneurs operating in MSEs have the potential to perform better and grow. The results of this study are expected to assist the Kisii County Government and stakeholders to formulate and implement appropriate policies and interventions aimed at developing and empowering women operating in MSE entrepreneurs in this region. Key Terms: Gender;Constraints; Micro and Small Enterprises; Entrepreneur; Performance I. Introduction Introduction This chapter contains the background to the study, statement of the problem, research objectives and research questions, significance of the study, the scope and the limitations. Background to the Study Kisii County is a densely populated area in Nyanza Province in Western Kenya and is characterized by high rainfall throughout the year with rich agricultural activities. Kisii Town is located in south western Kenya, is the main urban and commercial hub in South Nyanza Area. It‟s characterized by open markets, street traders, hawkers and several other entrepreneurial ventures. Micro and small-scale enterprises (MSEs) play an important role in the Kenyan economy and are accorded high priority in the development policy (GOK, 2008) 1. Despite this, it is estimated that MSEs continue to have a deteriorating performance with 3 in every 5 failing within months of establishment. Research findings show that many do not celebrate their third birthday. Findings from the 1999 MSEs Baseline Survey (CBS, et al.,1999) showed that there were a total of 1.3 million enterprises employing some 2.4 million people and contributed over 75 % of all new jobs created in the country. In addition, the MSEs contributed over 57% of the new jobs created in 2005/2006 (GoK, 2007) and 79.8% of total employment in 2008 (GoK, 2009) 4 . Women as micro and small entrepreneurs have increasingly become the key target group for micro finance programs. Consequently, providing access to micro finance facilities is not only considered a pre-condition for poverty alleviation, but also considered as a strategy for empowering women (Karanja, 1996). It is expected that by the year 2030, Kenya will be transformed into a newly industrialized nation. If the country has to make this leap, then the small enterprises are expected to play a key role in this transformation. It is also noteworthy that most of the businesses in this sector remain micro, employing less than fivepeople and