GOOD ARTCLE FOR REFERENCE

1. 1. Lack of capital.
Every startup needs capital from day one. Many women entrepreneurs in Kenya find it
difficult to raise sufficient capital. This essentially relegates them to small scale
businesses with no growth prospects. On the other hand, it is very difficult to get loans
from financial institutions because most of them require collateral. In many Kenyan
cultures, women are not allowed to own property, therefore, they cannot use title deeds
in the process of acquiring bank loans.
2. Insufficient business management skills
Insufficient business management skills are another problem that women entrepreneurs
have to bear with. For a startup to break even and prosper, the proprietor needs sound
business management skills. Some of the entrepreneurs lack the prerequisite business
management know how and essentially this often leads to the collapse of the venture.
3. Societal prejudice and biases
Societal prejudice and biases also affect women entrepreneurship in Kenya. A large
portion of the population still believes that a woman's place is in the kitchen. Hence, a
woman venturing in business may be viewed as societal misfit. These biases, are also
witnessed when it comes to certain ventures. Some business ventures are viewed as a
man's job, like opening and operating a garage. Many people do not expect women to
venture into this field among many others for it is a “man's job”
4. Employee management and turnover
Employee management and turnover is another problem. This may be viewed in the
sense that, many men do not feel comfortable having female bosses and they may not
take it well if they are given directives by a woman. Sometimes this leads to loss of
employees hence affecting the smooth operations of the startup.
5. Work-life balance.
Women entrepreneurs in Kenya have to balance their business life and managing their homes.
Unlike men who are accorded much leeway, women are expected to take care of their homes.
Essentially, this leads to overworking and might lead to eventual burn out and finally collapses
of the startup.