Determinants of Financial Literacy Level among Residents of Meru Municipality, in Meru County, Kenya

Abstract

In recent years, financial literacy has come to play an important role in financial reforms across the world. Modem technological developments and market liberalization have resulted in complicated financial products. There is the perception of inadequate and even total lack of financial literacy, hence to solve this many organizations have invested resources to financial education programs, targeting to access majority of the population in future. The objective of the research was to examine and analyze the determinants of financial literacy level among residents in North Imenti Sub County in Meru County, Kenya. The determinants studied were; Level of education, Demographic characteristics of Gender and Age, Socio-economic factors of Occupation status and Income level, Sources of Financial information and advice of informal tools and formal tools. The research problem was analyzed using Descriptive research design where Primary data was collected using closed-ended questionnaires while secondary data was collected from the relevant books and journals. The target population for the study was 30,804 people in Meru Municipality. The Sampled size form this accessible population using Mohamed, (2014) formula gets 400 people, which finds that for population above 10,000 people the sample size would be 400 people. The sample design involved individuals from the nine Meru municipality locations with a population response rate of 75%, male being 167 and female 133. Descriptive statistics included frequencies and percentages presented in tables which summarized and categorized data based on their similar themes and Statistical Package for Social Sciences Version 20 was used for further processing. In determining the relationship between the dependent and the independent variables, Regression analysis was used and recommendations made based on the findings. The study revealed that the relationship between financial literacy level and Level of Education was the most significant, followed by Demographic Characteristic of Age and Gender. Level of education and demographic factors have significant relationship in the financial literacy level in Meru Municipality. Socioeconomic factors and source of information did not have a significant influence on Financial literacy level. In Conclusion, emphasis was made to focus on better ways to implement the best methods of learning to enhance the Level of Education of the population. It was identified that the manner of learning played a vital role on retention rate. It recommended that all stakeholders should be encouraged to support availed digital literacy programs for the population. These would play a vital role in increasing literacy level since it incorporates technology in learning and multimedia teaching methods. The study further recommended establishment of Money management programs that would enhance public participation in financial management matters by all stakeholders.