year, and it may take longer for some businesses to
recover.
The study findings reveal how they have
been affected by the coronavirus crisis. Some of
the companies have either closed down, while
the majority are operating way below capacity. Most businesses rely on daily sales revenue to run their operations, and some businesses have bank loans, which they regularly
service. The chapter appreciates the team from
Moi University. They have assisted in compiling
the report on the coronavirus outbreak’s impact
and bringing out suggestions and recommendations for action by the various stakeholders. I
also appreciate the support from CIPE, our board,
and the Secretariat. The region’s growth will
require approval from the County Government,
National Government, and Non-governmental
players.
2 METHODOLOGY AND DATA
COLLECTIONS
A survey was conducted between the date 14th and
24th April 2020. There are more than 700 businesses
in the County; however, the target respondents were
400 members of the KNCCI Uasin Gishu chapter
whose contact details were readily available at KNCCI
offices in Eldoret. A survey research method was
used to collect primary data from KNCCI members to gain information and insights into various
interest topics. A survey research design was chosen to reach a large portion of participants in KNCCI
members.
Quantitative data was used because of the standardized procedures that ensure that each respondent answered the questions to avoid biased opinions
that could influence the research outcome. The process involved asking for information through online
(Weigold, Weigold, and Russell 2013). However, with
the arrival of new technologies during the pandemic
period, the questionnaire was distributed using digital media such; social networks and respondent email
with the help of KNCCI.
3 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
The members operate a wide range of businesses
within Uasin Gishu County. Responses from 145 business owners were received, giving a response rate
of 36%. Among the respondents, 74% had operations with Eldoret Town CBD, while 26% operated
from premises outside the CBD. The respondents
were evenly spread across all the sub-counties:
Turbo – 29, Kesses – 28, Kapseret – 24, Ainabkoi –
20, Soy – 18, and 13 from outside the County.
The details of the distribution were presented in
Figure 1.
Figure 1. Business enterprises location in UG county.
i) Size of business and period of operation
Regarding the size of the businesses, the survey
indicated that 45% (65) had less than five employees, 27% (39) had between 6 and 10 employees,
20% (29) had between 11 and 50 employees, and
only 8% (11) had more than 51 employees. In this
respect, most enterprises’ spectrum falls in micro
small and medium enterprises (MSME).
Figure 2. Size of business.
The study revealed that 55% (80) of the businesses had been in operation for more than five
(5) years in the operation period. It implies that
indicatively that the enterprises have stabilized.
Those who had been in operation for less than one
year were 8% (12) of the respondents.
Figure 3. Period of business operation.
20
recover.
The study findings reveal how they have
been affected by the coronavirus crisis. Some of
the companies have either closed down, while
the majority are operating way below capacity. Most businesses rely on daily sales revenue to run their operations, and some businesses have bank loans, which they regularly
service. The chapter appreciates the team from
Moi University. They have assisted in compiling
the report on the coronavirus outbreak’s impact
and bringing out suggestions and recommendations for action by the various stakeholders. I
also appreciate the support from CIPE, our board,
and the Secretariat. The region’s growth will
require approval from the County Government,
National Government, and Non-governmental
players.
2 METHODOLOGY AND DATA
COLLECTIONS
A survey was conducted between the date 14th and
24th April 2020. There are more than 700 businesses
in the County; however, the target respondents were
400 members of the KNCCI Uasin Gishu chapter
whose contact details were readily available at KNCCI
offices in Eldoret. A survey research method was
used to collect primary data from KNCCI members to gain information and insights into various
interest topics. A survey research design was chosen to reach a large portion of participants in KNCCI
members.
Quantitative data was used because of the standardized procedures that ensure that each respondent answered the questions to avoid biased opinions
that could influence the research outcome. The process involved asking for information through online
(Weigold, Weigold, and Russell 2013). However, with
the arrival of new technologies during the pandemic
period, the questionnaire was distributed using digital media such; social networks and respondent email
with the help of KNCCI.
3 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
The members operate a wide range of businesses
within Uasin Gishu County. Responses from 145 business owners were received, giving a response rate
of 36%. Among the respondents, 74% had operations with Eldoret Town CBD, while 26% operated
from premises outside the CBD. The respondents
were evenly spread across all the sub-counties:
Turbo – 29, Kesses – 28, Kapseret – 24, Ainabkoi –
20, Soy – 18, and 13 from outside the County.
The details of the distribution were presented in
Figure 1.
Figure 1. Business enterprises location in UG county.
i) Size of business and period of operation
Regarding the size of the businesses, the survey
indicated that 45% (65) had less than five employees, 27% (39) had between 6 and 10 employees,
20% (29) had between 11 and 50 employees, and
only 8% (11) had more than 51 employees. In this
respect, most enterprises’ spectrum falls in micro
small and medium enterprises (MSME).
Figure 2. Size of business.
The study revealed that 55% (80) of the businesses had been in operation for more than five
(5) years in the operation period. It implies that
indicatively that the enterprises have stabilized.
Those who had been in operation for less than one
year were 8% (12) of the respondents.
Figure 3. Period of business operation.
20