Assessing the drivers of sustainable growth in Medium-Sized Agribusinesses in Nairobi County
Date
2025
Authors
Wainaina, E. M.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Strathmore University
Abstract
The sustainable growth of agribusinesses is crucial to Kenya’s economic development, particularly for medium-sized entities that significantly contribute to employment and food security. However, many enterprises struggle to achieve long-term sustainability due to various internal and external constraints. This study aims to identify the determinants of sustainable growth among medium-sized agribusinesses in Nairobi County, focusing on three key factors: entrepreneurial experience, access to finance, and technology. The study also used firm size and firm duration as control factors. It was anchored on the Resource-Based View (RBV) theory, Dynamic Capabilities Theory, and Institutional Theory. A correlational research design was adopted. Primary data was collected through structured questionnaires administered to business owners and senior executives, with a pilot test conducted to ensure reliability and validity. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics, correlation, and a multiple regression model to establish the relationship between the independent variables and sustainable growth. From the results, the study concluded that entrepreneurial experience is a significant determinant of the sustainable growth of medium-sized agribusinesses. Access to finance is a significant determinant of the sustainable growth of medium-sized agribusinesses. Technology adoption is a significant determinant of the sustainable growth of medium-sized agribusinesses. Firm size is a significant determinant of the sustainable growth of medium-sized agribusinesses. Firm duration is a significant determinant of sustainable growth of the medium sized agribusiness. The study recommended that medium-sized agribusinesses should strengthen entrepreneurial experience through targeted capacity building, mentorship programs, and exposure to best practices in agribusiness management. It is also essential for the medium-sized agribusinesses to improve access to finance by developing tailored financial products, flexible credit facilities, and risk-sharing mechanisms. The medium-sized agribusinesses should be encouraged and supported to adopt modern technologies through targeted incentives, training programs, and accessible digital infrastructure and should strategically build on their existing scale by expanding market reach, strengthening supply chains, and investing in capacity development. With regards limitations of the study, there are a number of research philosophies. However, the study was limited to a positivism research philosophy and a correlational research design. There are several agribusinesses operating within Nairobi County. However, the study was also limited to 100 medium sized agribusinesses operating within Nairobi City County, Kenya and hence the researcher administered 100 questionnaires to the respondents. The respondents were limited to the CEO, CFO, COO, or senior management officer. Thus, a census study of the 100 respondents and primary data that was gathered using a structured questionnaire.
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Citation
Wainaina, E. M. (2025). Assessing the drivers of sustainable growth in Medium-Sized Agribusinesses in Nairobi County [Strathmore University]. http://hdl.handle.net/11071/15985