The Effect of Kiambu County Government Support Initiatives on the Growth of Micro Enterprises in Thika Sub-County, Kenya

Micro Enterprises are the major agents of economic growth and employment that lead to increased participation of the local people in the economy. However, micro enterprises have encountered many difficulties that impact on their growth. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of Kiambu County Government support initiatives on the growth of micro enterprises in Thika sub-county. The study targeted the 100 respondents working or owning the micro enterprises in 5 wards (Township, Hospital, Kamenu, Gatuanyaga and Ngoliba wards) in Thika Sub County. Primary data was obtained using self-administered questionnaires. The study concluded that Kiambu County Government policy frameworks affects micro enterprises growth. The study established that Kiambu County Government incentive programmes have a significant effect on micro enterprises growth in Thika Sub-County. The study demonstrated that Kiambu County Government business skills training programmes do not influence micro enterprises growth. There is a need for the county government of Kiambu to come up with strategies to ensure that the relevant stakeholders are aware of the need of having business skills and also conduct training at a reduced cost or no cost.