An Assessment of the role of financial literacy on Performance of Small and Micro Enterprises: Case ofEquity Group Foundation Training Program on SMES in Njoro district, Kenya

The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of the financial literacy education on performance of small and micro enterprises in Njoro District where the program was implemented since 2011. The study investigated the financial literacy skills imparted, and their role on performance of small scale enterprises. Specific objectives of the study were: to establish how book keeping skills influence performance of MSEs under that EGF financial literacy programme in Njoro District, to establish the effects of credit management skills on performance of SMEs under EGF financial literacy programme in Njoro District and to find out how budgeting skills affect performance of SMEs under that EGF financial literacy programme in Njoro District. Descriptive survey research design was used to guide the study. The target population for the study was 467 beneficiaries of equity group foundation project in Njoro District. A sample size of 82 was selected random sampling technique. Primary data was obtained using questionnaires administered to the selected program beneficiaries. Data collected was then organized, coded and entered in the computer for analysis. Analysis was done using frequency counts, percentages, means and standard deviation, t-test was used to analyses the difference in performance before and after training. The study found out that: the program emphasized on budgeting, financial analysis, credit management and book keeping skills; indeed there was a significant improvement in revenue performance of small enterprises whose managers had attended the financial literacy programme. Credit management skills obtained through the financial literacy programme enhanced performance through acquisition of credit financing, and management of loan portfolios to ensure that loan liability was minimized and interest expenses minimized. Budgeting skills significant roles in growing sales, profits and ensuring smooth running of the business. The impact of this programme is evident in enhancing business performance. The government should therefore fund the mainstreaming financial literacy training programmes throughout the country as a strategy for enhancing small and micro enterprise performance.