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ABSTRACT:

Although it is believed that entrepreneurship is the main driver of economic growth, it is basically a value-driven activity, and personal values appeared to have a significant impact on both the decision to pursue entrepreneurship as well as how the enterer behaves or performs. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of owner/manager gender and educational background on the performance of micro and small businesses in Kenya. A sample of 398 licensed MSEs were chosen from a study population of 65,698 from three counties of Kisumu, Siaya and Vihiga in Western Kenya. Structured questionnaires were used in the study's descriptive survey approach to gather primary data. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to present the data after it had been evaluated using statistical software (SPSS). The study's findings showed in objective one, that gender has significant difference in the performance of MSEs since (F₀ = 3.895 > F₁ (1, 397) = 3.86; αo = .049 < αc = .05). Objective two, the education level of owner/manager also has significant difference in MSE performance since, (Fo = 187.090> F₁ (1, 397) = 3.86; αo = .001< αc = .05). The study conclusion was that both gender and education characteristic of entrepreneur’s, determine the level of MSE performance. The study recommends combined efforts to support female gender to access necessary resources as well the training and education to expose them to the new technologies. There is need for in-depth study to find out the extent to which gender disparities are affecting the expansion of the MSE sector.

KEYWORDS:

Gender, Education, Entrepreneurial, Entrepreneurship, Micro and Small Enterprises

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