International Journal of Case Studies (ISSN Online 2305-509X)

VOLUME 14, ISSUE 10
IMPACT FACTOR 4.428

1) Networking Competency and Performance of Women-Owned Smes in Kenya: Assessing the Mediating Role of Legal and Regulatory Frameworks
Author Details: ⁽¹⁾ Neyole Jeremiah Wanyonyi-PhD Candidate JKUAT – Kenya ⁽²⁾ Dr. Samuel Obina Mokaya-Lecturer JKUAT-Kenya ⁽³⁾ Dr. Jane Omwenga-Lecturer JKUAT-Kenya
Abstract:
This study investigated the relationship between networking competency and the performance of women-owned Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Kenya, with particular attention to the mediating role of the legal and regulatory framework. Guided by Ronald Burt’s Network Theory of Entrepreneurship and anchored in a pragmatist research philosophy, the study adopted a mixed-method sequential explanatory design, integrating both quantitative and qualitative approaches. The target population comprised 710 women-owned SMEs, from which a sample of 385 respondents was drawn using proportionate stratified sampling. Data collection involved structured questionnaires, interviews, focus group discussions (FGDs), and secondary sources such as government reports, academic journals, policy documents, and financial institution records. Networking competency was measured through partnership formation, diversity of networks, and event participation. Performance was evaluated using resource growth, profit margin, and market share, while the legal and regulatory framework was assessed using regulatory compliance, rate of adoption to legal change, and frequency of legal disputes. The objective was to examine existing networking practices and their impact on SME performance. Correlation analysis revealed a significant and strong positive relationship between networking competency and enterprise performance (r = .681, p < .001). Regression analysis further confirmed this relationship, indicating that networking competency significantly predicts performance (β = .681, p < .001). A unit increase in networking competency was associated with a 68.1% improvement in enterprise performance. The study also established the mediating effect of the legal and regulatory framework. These findings align with Burt’s theory, affirming that robust social networks enhance access to critical resources and business opportunities, thereby improving SME performance among women entrepreneurs in Kenya.
Keywords: Networking Competency, Women-Owned SMEs, Enterprise Performance, Legal and Regulatory Framework, and Entrepreneurship in Kenya
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