Microfinance Reforms and Financial Inclusion in Kenya

Abstract

Statistics indicate that about 1.7 billion people can’t access a savings account and slightly above 200 million small and medium-sized enterprises are deprived access to satisfactory financial solution. Kenya views microfinances as a development instrument for poverty lessening and economic growth through ensuring financial inclusion. It is due to the acceptance of this vital role of Microfinance that Kenya has undertaken strategic microfinance reforms and regulations aimed at promoting financial inclusion through microfinance business.  The research’s general objective is to examine the effect of microfinance reforms on financial inclusion. Specifically, to determine the influence of microfinance transformation from non-deposit taking into a deposit-taking microfinance institutions on financial inclusion, to examine the association between microfinance board characteristics and public trust, to investigate the effect of microfinance licensing requirements on financial inclusion and to examine the effect of microfinance prudential standards requirements on financial inclusion in Kenya. The research adopted Financial Intermediation Theory and Public Interest Theory of Regulation.  This research utilized descriptive research design and the population targeted included all the thirteen Microfinance institutions, which were licensed by the central bank of Kenya as at 2018. The study used purposive sampling to select six microfinance banks. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were done by use of multiple linear regression analysis. The research results indicated that microfinance transformation (p_value=0.001), board characteristics (p_value=0.042), licensing requirements (p_value=0.035) and prudential standards (p_value=0.002) significantly influenced financial inclusion. Results from regression analysis indicated a strong relationship between microfinance transformation, board characteristics, licensing requirements and prudential standards and financial inclusion. The study concluded that financial inclusion in micro financial institutions increases when there is sound microfinance transformation, board characteristics, legal requirements, and prudential standards. From the findings, the study recommended that micro financial institutions should support institutions reform functions and processes.  Further the study recommended that micro financial institutions should recruit adequate and proficient workers and offer satisfactory training as well as certification for professional appreciation on strategies for microfinance reform processes and their influence on the financial inclusion of the micro financial institution. The research recommends that board members should be reliable and open so as to substantially contribute to financial performance.