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.
.