ENTREPRENEURIAL NETWORKING RESOURCES AND GROWTH OF SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES IN KENYA

The growth of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) may increase the potential of SMEs performance of social and economic functions. However, SMEs in Kenya face low growth and high failure rates. Inadequate resource is a major factor that hinder growth of SMEs this has motivated researchers and policy makers to look for strategies to mitigate inadequate resources. The study attempted to determine the entrepreneurial networking resources on growth of small and medium enterprises in Kenya. The study was underpinned to positivism philosophy and guided by entrepreneurial networking and entrepreneurship theories. The study employed a mixed research design to examine influence of entrepreneurial networking on growth of Small and Medium Enterprises. Stratified and simple sampling techniques were employed to obtain 363 SMEs registered in Nairobi, Nakuru and Trans Nzoia Counties in Kenya. The primary data was collected through questionnaires that were dropped and picked later from SME operators. Statistical Package of Social Science (SPSS) was used to analyze data. Descriptive statistics was used to summarize data and inferential statistic (regressions) was employed in analysis to test hypotheses. The study used regression model to establish relationship between independent and dependent variables. The findings of the study found that entrepreneurial networking provided financial, entrepreneurial innovations and social capital resources that enhanced growth Small and medium Enterprises. The study established that entrepreneurial networking resources had positive significant effects on growth of Small and Medium Enterprises. The study further established that entrepreneurial networking provided resources and learning that cannot be found at market transactions. The study recommends that the government as a policy setting organ to come up with conducive regulatory policies that encourage Small and Medium Enterprise entrepreneurs to participate in entrepreneurial networking to address some of the resources deficiencies that inhibit growth of enterprises. The study also recommends that SME entrepreneurs should configure valuable entrepreneurial networking to access resources and information that enhance growth of enterprises.