Book Description

The authors of this book argue that small-scale enterprises are not necessarily the marginal features of developing economies they are often thought to be. If micro-enterprises with 0-4 employees succeed in developing into small enterprises with 5-19 workers, they can form a dynamic sector with vital links to agriculture and other sectors of the economy. Taking this argument as a starting point for their research in the Nakuru and Kericho Districts in Kenya, the authors aim to explain why most micro-enterprises remain small. They convincingly demonstrate that small-scale enterprises face considerable constraints at all stages of their development. These constraints specifically operate against female-owned, rurally located and service-oriented businesses. Innovative policy interventions are needed to remove these constraints and enhance the sector's contribution to peoples' cash incomes and economic welfare. By providing detailed information on the features of small-scale enterprises and their problems during formation, operation and growth, this book lays the foundations for effective and tailor-made support.