[01] Aaron Mwayi, Department of Health Promotion, Faculty of Community Health and Development, Great Lakes University of Kisumu, Kisumu, Kenya. [02] Samuel Jerry Odindo, Department of health system Management, Faculty of Community Health and Development, Great Lakes University of Kisumu, Kisumu, Kenya. [03] Dan O. Odindo, Department of health system Management, Faculty of Community Health and Development, Great Lakes University of Kisumu, Kisumu, Kenya.

Introduction: Most residents in Nyalenda work as informal traders and hence realize very low income. As a tool for poverty reduction, there is need for SMIE women to access loans as their major source of capital. This study was a descriptive, cross-sectional survey design which involved quantitative data collection methodologies. The findings were analyzed and used to determine demographic factors influencing access to loans for women SMIEs in Nyalenda. Methods: The study employed stratified random sampling and cluster sampling technique to come up with a sampling size of 399. For the quantitative data, frequencies were run using SPSS and Chi –square test was used to determine the association. Findings: In age category, 25-34 category recorded the highest of 158 women SMIEs (42.5%) while 55 -64 recorded 8 women SMIEs (2.2%). In relationship to household, spouses recorded 218 (58.6%) while granddaughters recorded 8(2.0%). In marital status, married monogamous recorded 180 (48.4%), while separated divorced recorded 8 (2.2%). In number of dependents, 1-4 recorded 148 (39.8%).Conclusion: Age distribution and education level has an association with ability to access loan.

Demographic, Economics, SMIEs, Loans for Women

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