Women’s economic empowerment through table banking is a significant contributor to the economic development and
growth of the country. In order for this to be achieved women must have more equitable access to credit for investments
to enhance women empowerment. The failure of specialized financial institutions to address and meet the credit needs
of women has resulted into women turning to informal banking groups in most of the developing countries. The study
sought to investigate table banking and its economic empowerment on women of Kajiado County using the following
objectives: monetary implications, business management skills and networking in table banking. The theoretical framework
for this study was based upon two theories that gave an in-depth analysis of the problem. These are Resource Base Theory
by Barney (1991) and the Social Capital Theory by Putnam . The study adopted descriptive survey design. The study
targeted a total of 400 people in the study area. By using Yamane’s Formula the researcher arrived at the sample size of
200 respondents. Purposive sampling procedure was used to get 5 table banking groups that had existed for over three (3)
years. The researcher found that there were 3 key leaders in each group and this added to 15 leaders who were interviewed.
Tools employed in data collection included use of questionnaires, interviews, and focus group discussions. Quantitative
data was organized and analyzed using a computer program called SPSS Version 20. The findings of the study and
interpretation are presented in chapter four in relation to the study objectives. The study found that table banking is
very instrumental in economic empowerment of women as it enabled them to borrow and invest at low interest rates
based on their savings. This is seen when women were highly motivated to save more in order to increase their dividend
earnings annually. Empowerment is also realized when defaulters are minimized in each group; this was effected by set
rules to limit borrowing funds and penalties given to those who have defaulted. Members were highly enlightened and
motivated through trainings and teambuilding exercises, and through such activities they were strengthened. The study
concluded that table banking has generally provided a reliable means of financial access to women and this has helped
them prosper in their dreams. Despite the outcome of table banking initiatives and economic empowerment on women,
the study recommended that there is need to engage in technological advancement in terms of record keeping. This would
decrease the issue of losing members’ track records.
Key words | Networking, Table banking, Empowerment, Women groups, Credit base, Poverty reduction, Development