EFFECTIVESS OF BODABODA SACCOs ON MEMBERS’ ECONOMIC GROWTH IN MAKUENI COUNTY, KENYA

Abstract

The aim of the study was to investigate the effectiveness of Bodaboda Savings and Co-operative Societies on members' economic growth in Makueni County, Kenya. The main objectives were to investigate the role of Bodaboda Saccos in influencing members economic growth, to establish the economic opportunities available to the members in Bodaboda Saccos, to determine the economic challenges facing Bodaboda Saccos and lastly to establish the ways of enhancing the effectiveness of Bodaboda Saccos in improving the members' economic growth. The Study made the use of cross-sectional survey research design with qualitative and quantitative methodologies for collecting data. A sample size of 3 Saccos was chosen from a target population of 30 Bodaboda Saccos. The Data was sourced through the use of in-depth interview guides and questionnaires administered to respondents such as Sacco chairpersons and County Cooperate Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Data was analyzed through Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) software to generate frequency distributing tables. Study findings were presented in tables, pie charts and bar graphs. The study revealed that members had embraced the culture of saving. Also, they did charitable works. It was revealed that through the loans given some members were operating shops while others had bought their motorcycles. Members had challenges like lack of sufficient capital and police harassment. Members proposed exchange visits to other Saccos and training on cooperative entrepreneurship skills as the solutions to their challenges. As a recommendation, based on the study findings, the government should come up with programmes and regulations for Bodaboda Saccos. For a further area of study, this research covered how Bodaboda Saccos influence economic growth of members. However, it did not dwell so much on how Bodaboda Saccos influence the social and cultural growth of members. These gaps need to be filled by academicians and researchers.