Thesis:

Influence of saving and internal lending communities model on Women empowerment, Marsabit county, Kenya

The fact that nearly 80% of women from low-income families receive little to no pay and are completely excluded from financial systems makes it more difficult to increase savings in developing countries. Finding out how saving and internal loaning societies (SILC) affect women's empowerment in Marsabit County, Kenya, was the main goal of this study. In particular, determining how household wealth in Marsabit County is impacted by SILC accessibility. Finding out how savings affect women's empowerment in Marsabit County, how loans affect women's empowerment in Marsabit County, and how social funds affect women's empowerment in Marsabit County. The underlying background for our analysis was provided by the Solidarity Circle Theory, Joint Liability Theory, and Social Capital Theory. A descriptive design was used in the research. The method was created with the main goal of finding plausible correlations and clarifying the factors that led to the problems being studied. The SILC 2021 report states that as of July 2024, the study's target population of 120 women beneficiaries is spread throughout four SILC groups set up in Marsabit County, which comprises the sub-counties of North Horr, Moyale, Saku, and Laisamis. Using a census methodology, this study included all 120 SILC categories of women. A population's whole population is examined during a census. They used primary data. In order to collect primary data, participants had to self-administer questionnaires. Cronbach's alpha was used to assess the study instruments' validity and reliability. The internal consistency of the study tool is indicated by all questionnaire items with an alpha greater than 0.7. Both descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were included in the data. Tables, figures, and charts were used throughout the presentation. The main conclusions showed that social funds, loans, and savings all had a statistically significant favorable impact on SILC performance. Among the most important factors are loans (B = 0.112), social funds (B = 0.103), and savings (B = 0.044). The standardized metrics indicate that lending exerts the greatest relative impact on performance. The significance levels of all factors further underscore their role as predictors of success for SILC. Convinced that SILC should broaden and expand its training programs to maximize its impact, especially in agriculture and health. This may involve implementing additional practical training sessions and collaborating with medical institutions to provide specialized wellness programs. These steps would guarantee equitable benefits for all members from SILC's social fund programs.