Factors that Affect the Success of Physically Challenged Entrepreneurs in their Business Activities: A Survey of Thika Municipality - Kiambu County, Kenya

The purpose of this study is to establish the factors that affect the success by physically challenged entrepreneurs. The general objective of the study is to assess the entrepreneurial success among the physically challenged entrepreneurs in Thika Municipality-Kiambu County. The study seeks to establish the typical problems faced by the physically challenged entrepreneurs.

The study targeted the population of physically challenged persons who run businesses in Thika municipality. The respondents were 27 physically challenged adult male and female entrepreneurs. The municipality was selected because it represented a true population of the republic of Kenya. Having a school for physically challenged proved passion and commitment by municipality community.

Snowball method was used in identifying the participants since their population was less and not well established. The research design adopted was a survey research since the participants were few. Both qualitative and quantitative research was applied in order to triangulate the research findings. The two design methods were employed to complement each other.

Data was collected using interviews as the main data collection instrument, questionnaire and observation methods were also used. Raw data was analyzed and interpreted in terms of pie charts and tables and conclusion was drawn. Pilot study was carried out in a different environment but with similar characteristics as those of the participants of the real study.

The research findings showed that the most prominent barrier to starting a business among the physically challenged persons was difficulty in obtaining start-up capital, lack of suitable premises and mobility barriers in the environment. It was concluded that the physically challenged persons are in self employment; they successfully run enterprises with minimal challenges when the surrounding environment is barrier free and with the right skills for the particular work.