DETERMINANTS OF FINANCIAL INCLUSION AND PERFORMANCE OF SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES IN NAIROBI CITY COUNTY

Purpose: The general objective of this study was to assess the determinants of financial inclusion and performance of small and medium enterprises in Nairobi City County. Methodology: The study adopted a descriptive research design. Findings: Determinants of financial inclusion among the SMEs in Nairobi City County included; access, Quality and usage of various financial services. The study revealed that determinants of performance among the SMEs in Nairobi City County included; product/service costs, volume levels traded, profit margins, human resource levels and efficiency levels. The results also identified technological innovations such as MPESA, Mshwari and Agency banking as the most crucial technology factors which played a crucial part in improving their business. The regression results revealed that there was a direct link between the performance levels of SMEs and financial inclusion. Further, the study findings also revealed that technology included platforms like mobile money transfers, ATMs and agency banking eased and ensured inclusion. This was seen as an integral part of inclusion further enhancing the performance of various SMEs.Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: This study can be a source of solution to be implemented by government of Kenya and the Central Bank of Kenya to create policies that create room for small and medium enterprises to obtain loans from financial institutions. In addition, the study This study will also create awareness among financial institutions in the importance of usage, access and quality of finances to small and medium enterprises which in turn will enable better performance of enterprises. This will definitely have an effect on social inclusion of citizens and better the economic performance.The aftereffects of the study would also contribute towards filling the gap on the topic. It is trusted that the discoveries of the study will make significant augmentations to the writing in the field of financial inclusion and performance fortifying further interest.