Abstract:
Despite the markedly increased foreign investment, East African economies remain
characterized by low levels of investment and capital formation with high level of attrition
among indigenous small and medium enterprises. While there is a high failure rate among
these SMEs, some are beginning to turn the corner and are exhibiting signs of robustness,
innovativeness and sustainability. Relying on narrative accounts of successful SMEs leaders
in Kenya and Uganda obtained through interviews and focus group discussions, this study
sought to construct an account of leadership practices and ascriptions of success for SMEs
that had succeeded. The study identified eight leadership constructs characteristic of
successful SME leaders in Kenya and Uganda grouped into visioning, building commitment,
social capital, personal values, anticipation and resilience, resourcefulness, responsiveness,
and entrepreneurial orientation. While these results, on the face value, are apparently not
unique, it was in the nuances of the leadership practice that difference was made. In
conclusion, the study highlights implications for these findings in relation to policy and
leadership practice among SMEs.
