Analysis of the factors influencing the implementation of youth enterprise development fund: a case of youth groups in Machakos district.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the implementation of youth entrepreneurship fund in Machakos district. Three research objectives were formulated to guide the study. The sample comprised of 122 respondents drawn from 22 youth groups. Data was collected by use of questionnaire. Findings indicated that access to youth funds affected the implementation of youth entrepreneurship fund. Findings also indicated that lack of or inadequate funding affected the implementation of youth entrepreneurship fund. These findings indicate that the youth did not receive training once they received funds and hence this affected the implementation of the youth development funds in the district. It was also reported that entrepreneurs were often not confident that they know their job well. Due to lack of training the youth faced challenges in implementing the youth's funds as was reported by all the respondents. It was also revealed that awareness and understanding of the youth fund's implementation policies affected the implementation of the youth funds. Based on the findings it was concluded access to youth funds affected the implementation of youth entrepreneurship fund. This was attributed to factors such as youth not receiving adequate funds and in time; having no clear direction of how the youth fund is to be disbursed and having no clear cut on how the youth fund is to be used. The study also concluded that lack of or inadequate funding affected the implementation of youth entrepreneurship fund. For instance youth entrepreneurs often lacked training for entrepreneurial duties. They did not also receive training upon receiving the funds. The entrepreneurs were often not confident that they know their job well. The study also concluded that awareness and understanding of the youth fund implementation policies affected the implementation of the youth fund. For example, the respondents agreed that youth entrepreneurs are often not familiar with entrepreneurial duties. The youth groups were not aware of the implementation of the policies of the youth funds while the implemented in a hurry hence affecting its implementation. Based on the findings, it was recommended that the parties concerned should assist the groups have proper leadership structures which will facilitate management of micro finance funds. It was also recommended that the ministry concerned should provide technical support by for example training so that they are able to manage the micro finance funds. The groups should be assisted to come up with realistic and achievable goals and objectives so that finances can be disbursed in the best way possible and lastly that the groups should be provided with loans by funders and donors and even the government so that they can achieve their goals and Objectives. Taking the limitations and delimitations of the study, it was suggested that a study on the how formal education affects performance in management of micro economic funds should be conducted. The researcher also suggested that since this study was conducted in one administrative district, a similar study could be conducted in other areas to establish if factors are the same. It was also suggested that a study on attitude of members towards youth group and how it affects management of the groups should be conducted.

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