Literature review
The 1991 WGs census showed that the groups had engaged in development activities
at the village level (Republic of Kenya, 1993). Typical activities include: farming;
milling maize; processing honey; keeping livestock; making handcrafts; providing
water; and maintaining rental properties. The groups received assistance from NGOs,
development agencies and voluntary organizations in form of cash, equipment,
training, supplies and technical assistance. However, according to Republic of Kenya
(1993), there was evidence that many of the WGs embarked on income generating
activities without adequate training, credit facilities, extension services or
technologies. The census revealed that WGs operated revolving loan schemes which
extended credit to individual women pursuing small-scale enterprises. Male
participation in the WGs activities was also increasing.