SOCIOECONOMIC DETERMINANTS OF THE PERFORMANCE OF WOMEN EMPOWERMENT PROJECTS IN IMENTI NORTH SUB-COUNTY, KENYA

Abstract

Women empowerment is essential for achieving gender equality, advancing women’s rights, enhancing productivity, and promoting economic diversification, among other positive development outcomes. The general objective of this study was to establish the influence of Socioeconomic determinants on the performance of women empowerment projects in Imenti North Sub-County, Kenya. The specific objectives were to examine the effects of educational level, social support systems on the performance of women empowerment projects in Imenti North Sub-County. The study was guided by human capital theory, and social capital theory. This study adopted a descriptive research design, targeting 20 women groups in Imenti North Sub-County. The study targeted a population of 120 executive members and 60 project liaison officers from women groups in Imenti North Sub-County, Kenya, totaling 180 respondents, with a census approach due to the manageable population size. Primary data were collected using semi-structured questionnaires and key informant interviews. Instrument validity and reliability were confirmed through a pilot test, with all constructs achieving acceptable reliability coefficients (Cronbach’s alpha > 0.7). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis analyzed using SPSS Version 28. The study achieved a 93.3% response rate (n = 168). Regression results indicated that the socioeconomic determinants jointly explained 74% of the variation in project performance (R² = 0.740, F = 116.156, p < 0.05). educational level (β = 0.278), and social support systems (β = 0.311) had significant positive effects on performance. The findings suggest that while empowerment projects generate moderate financial outcomes, their strongest impact is reflected in enhanced social capital, leadership capacity, and collective agency among women. The study recommends strengthening inclusive financial mechanisms, expanding capacity-building initiatives, institutionalizing support networks, and implementing culturally responsive strategies to enhance the sustainability and effectiveness of women empowerment projects.

Key Words: Socioeconomic Determinants, Educational Level, Social Support Systems, Performance, Women Empowerment Projects, Imenti North Sub-County