INFLUENCE OF INNOVATIVENESS ON GROWTH OF MICROFINANCE INSTITUTIONS IN MURANG’A COUNTY, KENYA
Abstract
Innovation stands at the forefront of
contemporary strategies for enhancing the
growth and impact of microfinance
institutions (MFIs) worldwide. This study
investigates the multifaceted influence of
innovativeness on the growth of MFIs in
Murang'a County, Kenya, an area
renowned for its vibrant microfinance
landscape. Drawing on extensive empirical
research and a robust analytical framework,
this research elucidates the dynamic
relationship between innovation and MFI
growth. Findings show that when there
when innovativeness is held constant,
growth of microfinance institutions will be
1.501. At the same time, increasing
innovativeness by 1 more unit would lead
to an increase in growth by 0.631 units.
This implies that the innovativeness has a
positive relationship with growth of
microfinance institutions. The relationship
is significant given that pValue=0.000<0.05. The findings reveal that
innovativeness is a pivotal determinant of
growth for MFIs operating in Murang'a
County. Specifically, MFIs that actively
engage in innovation across various
dimensions, including product
diversification, service delivery channels,
and technological advancements, tend to
exhibit higher growth rates. Innovationdriven MFIs are better equipped to attract a
broader client base, penetrate underserved
markets, and enhance operational
efficiency, all of which contribute
significantly to their growth trajectories.
However, the study also underscores the
challenges associated with innovation in the
microfinance sector. While innovation can
catalyse growth, it requires substantial
financial investments, human capital
development, and a robust risk
management framework. The dynamic
regulatory environment in Kenya further
complicates the innovation landscape,
necessitating adaptive strategies that
balance risk and reward. This research
advances our understanding of the intricate
relationship between innovativeness and
MFI growth, offering valuable insights for
practitioners, policymakers, and
stakeholders in the microfinance
ecosystem. The implications of this study
resonate far beyond the boundaries of
Murang'a County, as they contribute to the
broader discourse on fostering sustainable
and impactful microfinance operations in
emerging economies.
URI
https://iajournals.org/articles/iajef_v5_i1_412_430.pdfhttp://repository.mut.ac.ke:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/6941
