FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THE SUSTAINABILITY OF WOMEN SELF-HELP GROUPS IN NAIROBI COUNTY: A CASE OF VIWANDANI IN MAKADARA SUB-COUNTY

Abstract

Women SHGs serve as vital platforms for grassroots socio-economic development in Kenya. Despite their contributions, many SHGs continue to face challenges related to inadequate financial resources, weak management systems, and limited technical skills. This study investigated factors contributing to the sustainability of women SHGs in Viwandani, Makadara Sub-County, Nairobi; examining managerial practices, strategies for addressing challenges and the influence of member characteristics on group sustainability. The study involved 73 women from seven SHGs and was anchored on theory of social change and the T7 model of team effectiveness which identifies seven critical factors for group success: Thrust, Trust, Talent, Teaming and Task skills; Team leader fit and Team support. Data was collected through structured-questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics utilising SPSS. The findings revealed that Women SHGs in Viwandani are highly structured, operate with written constitutions, have defined leadership systems, and practice consensus-based decision-making. Governance featured frequent meetings, member-driven agendas, and comprehensive record-keeping. Activities centred on loan management and welfare support, internal mechanisms for conflict-resolution and addressing challenges included general meetings and disciplinary committees. Member characteristics, including self-employment status, limited formal-education, and high dependency burdens created strong incentives for active participation and collective action. However, weak external collaboration, limited market access, and minimal linkage with financial institutions emerged as notable sustainability constraints. The study concludes that sustainability is driven by a combination of strong internal governance, collective accountability, and member commitment. It recommends strategic partnerships to enhance financial inclusion, skills development, and market integration. The findings provide practical insights for policymakers, development practitioners, and community organizations seeking to strengthen women SHGs in informal settlements.