Abstract:
Women in Baragoi Division in Samburu North have had to contend with internal wars involving cattle raids were
many of them are caught in between the wars. Added to these is the harsh economic environment where economic
activities and businesses are disrupted by frequent raids. Furthermore the situation is compounded by unfavorable
climate where very little food for sustenance can grow. Despite these adverse conditions, the women in Baragoi
division endure and survive as they take care of their families while gainfully engaged in micro and small
enterprises. Given that more established entrepreneurs and the Kenyan government has made insignificant effort to
empower pastoralist women and youth, what then drives pastoralists’ women entrepreneurs? This study therefore
sought to establish the survival or coping strategies which keep these women entrepreneurs going on with their
businesses in such life threatening environment and possible support mechanisms. The main objective of the study
was to establish the coping strategic options among women entrepreneurs in Baragoi Division in Samburu North
Kenya. Cross sectional survey was adopted as the study design. The population constituted 14419 women across
15 sub-locations within Baragoi division. Proportional sampling technique was used to sample 389 respondents.
Descriptive statistics and cross tabulation were used to analyze data. The study established that women
entrepreneurs face a number of challenges, the main one (37.5%) being insecurity. The main coping strategy to
counter the insecurity challenge was established as group movement at 20%. It was concluded that for women
pastoralist entrepreneurs to survive, the stakeholders need to combine efforts and ensure safe environment and
general support especially towards women entrepreneurs who are significant contributors to the economy and
main players in family support.
