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Abstract

An inclusive financial system should have as many users as possible which gives an indication of how much the financial system has penetrated among its users (Sarma, 2007). Financial inclusion is key to realization of economic goal not only in Kenya but also globally. Given that little study has been done on factors affecting equitable access to financial services in Kenya, the study sought to bridge the knowledge gap by undertaking a study on the same.  The proposed study adopted a descriptive design. The study targeted 50 beneficiaries from the financial institution,5 employees working with USAID, representative from PROFIT Programme and 131 employees who are currently working with 10 financial institution operating in Kwanza Division. Primary data was collected by administering a semi-structured questionnaire. Quantitative data collected was analyzed by the use of descriptive statistics using SPSS (Version 22) and presented through percentages, means, standard deviations and frequencies. The information was displayed by use of bar charts, graphs & pie charts and in prose-form. Content analysis was used to test data that is qualitative in nature or aspect of the data collected from the open ended questions. The study established that the current interest rates charged on loans are high and this reduces the access of poor people to financial services. According to a respondent from Equity Bank, Commercial Banks benchmark interest rates on volume with applicants for higher volume capable of negotiating lower interest rates and micro credits attracting higher interest rates. The research established that lack of access to credit information on where to obtain credit and minimum requirements to qualify for credit by people living in poor rural households have a negative impact on agricultural output creation and for the benefit of family .The research revealed that loan processing had a negative effect on equitable access to financial services in kwanza division, Trans Nzoia County, Kenya. The study established that lenders and investors need a way of assessing how risky their loan might be, and a simple scale should be developed and communicated to borrowers highlighting key parameters of evaluation of loan application based on commercial banks criteria which focuses on; character, ability to repay based on transactions rather savings, purpose of the loan whether starter or continuing viable business, experience of the borrow on same business he/she is familiar with or potentials for expansion of on-going business.

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