Thesis:

Analysis of Uwezo fund initiative on financial performance of small and medium size enterprises in molo sub-county, Kenya

This study sought to determine whether Uwezo Fund and the financial performance of Micro, Small, and Medium-Sized Businesses in Molo Sub-County were related. A concentrated effort has been made to reduce widespread unemployment, which was made worse by the 2008–2009 global financial crisis. One such initiative by the government was the creation of the Uwezo fund, which sought to support young people, women, and people with disabilities in beginning self-sustaining businesses by providing loans with the least amount of collateral needed. Analyzing the impact of the Uwezo fund on the financial performance of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises was the aim of this study. The study aimed to investigate the following specific topics: the impact of loan repayments on the financial performance of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises; the relationship between financial planning and financial performance of these enterprises; the impact of entrepreneurship training on the financial performance of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises; and the effects of credit availability on the financial performance of these enterprises. Since the methodology of this study concentrated on examining the impact of the Uwezo fund on the financial performance of MSMEs, the four wards of Mariashoni, Elburgon, Turi, and Molo included the whole population of the Molo Sub-County. Theories of agency, empowerment, and resourcebased perspectives served as the foundation for this investigation. Eight years, from 2016 to 2023, were covered by this study. Secondary data used in this study were taken from government monitoring and assessment documents. Mostly from the retail, wholesalers, agribusiness, transportation, saloon and barbershop, and cyber shops sectors, the respondents were businessmen and women. Thirty people with disabilities, 120 young people, and 80 women made up the 230 people that made up the target demographic for this study. 168 respondents were chosen for the study sample, and their numbers were determined using Slovin's algorithm. The selection of the study's sample was done using the purposive sampling method. The questionnaire was the main instrument utilized in this study to gather data. Based on the findings, primary data were gathered for this investigation. Descriptive statistics were used to assess the mean, frequencies, and standard deviation of the quantitative data. After gathering the data, the researcher coded and confirmed the data. SPSS, or the Statistical Package for Social Sciences, version 29 was used to help with data analysis. The data was shown using tables, charts, and graphs.