Membership Characteristics and Financial Performance of Investment Groups Investing in Securities Market in Kenya

Abstract

Investment groups provide a system of mobilizing together capital, lowering risks per individual and availing cheap capital for microenterprise growth. How the membership structure dimensions of an investment group affect its financial makeup is not well understood. The objective of the study was to assess the role of membership characteristics in the financial performance of investment groups in Kenya. Descriptive survey design was used and stratified sampling technique applied to select group members and investment groups. The data collected was analyzed using inferential statistics via regression analysis. The results indicate that group membership structure dimensions, such as experience, gender, occupation, business training and ethnic diversity, has a positive and statistically significant effect on financial performance of investment groups, which participate in securities markets in Kenya. Policies that entrench gender issues in investment groups and encourage creation of investment groups which are ethically balanced and occupationally diverse are critical in the success of such groups. Policies should be crafted by the investments group lobby outfits, which will facilitate training programs and forums to educate the members on investment skills and proper management practices as well as need for diversification of group investment portfolios.

Keywords: Group Membership Characteristics; Group Financial Performance; Group Ethnic Diversity; Kenya Association of Investment Groups; Chama Investments.

DOI: 10.7176/JESD/11-10-15

Publication date:May 31^st 2020