Effects of Interest Rate on Credit Access of Small and Medium Enterprises in Garissa County

Abstract

Purpose: The main purpose of the study was to assess the effects of interest rate on credit access of small and medium enterprises' in Garissa County.

Methodology: A descriptive survey was employed in this study. The target population of this study was 10 SACCOs and 150 SMEs registered within Garissa County. Primary data was collected from respondents via structured questionnaires. The descriptive statistics was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 20.0 and presented in the report in the form of tables, bar charts and graphs. Correlation and regression analysis was done to establish the relationship between the variables.

Results: The results showed that interest rate policy was significantly related to credit access since its p-value (0.000) was less than the significance level of 0.05. The findings implied that a change in interest rate policy by one unit could result to positive variation of 0.70 units in credit access. Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: Based on the study findings, the study concluded that SACCO's interest rate policy affect SMEs accessibility to credit. The study recommended that SACCOs should consider revising their policy on interest rate charged. The study also recommended that County government should intervene to ensure that SMEs have access to financial services to enable them contribute to development and employment creation. The study validates the Credit access theory and its applicability in financing SME's firms.