The role of youth enterprise development fund on growth of micro and small enterprises in Kenya: a case of Kiharu Constituency, Murang’a County.

Abstract

This study sought to establish the role of the Youth Enterprise Development Fund (YEDF) on MSEs growth. Importance of MSE finance is widely recognized. Access to finance and business development and support services provides growth opportunities for the businesses. The Fund was started by the government to stimulate business start-ups and growth among the youth at the constituency level. Descriptive survey method was used. The study targeted 64 Youth groups in Kiharu Constituency that have benefitted from the loan. A census of all beneficial 64 MSEs in the Constituency was used to select purposively one member from each enterprise to form a sample of 64 informants. Questionnaires were personally administered to the informants to collect data. Data collected was classified and compiled. It was analyzed using descriptive statistics with the aid of MS-EXCEL. Data was then presented in forms of tables, pie charts and bar graphs. Descriptive statistics such as percentages and frequencies accompanied the graphs and charts. The results of the research are expected to establish whether the Fund plays any role towards the growth of MSEs, in terms of employment generation, profit generation and physical expansion of the MSEs.The recommendations that are given will go a long way in appraising the success of the Fund in the attainment of its objectives.