Influence of entrepreneurial skills on performance of youth group projects in Kisii Central District-Kenya

Abstract

This study was conducted to assess the influence of entrepreneurial skills on performance of youth group projects in Kisii Central District. Entrepreneurial skills were cha~acterized by financial management skills, leadership, marketing and business management skills. The objectives of the study were: to determine the extent to which financial management skills influence performance of youth group projects, to establish the level at which leadership skills influence, performance of youth group projects, to assess the extent to which marketing skills influence performance of youth group projects and to examine the level at which business management skill influence performance of youth group projects.

The study was conducted through a descriptive survey. Data was collected using questionnaires from 21 youth groups and 302 respondents selected using simple random sampling from the target population of 1400. Contents validity was ascertained though expert judgment while reliability was established through split half techniques. Questionnaires were hand delivered by the researcher and picked the same way. Data analysis was done using both quantitative and qualitative techniques. Quantitative was analyzed by use of simple descriptive statistics that is tables, frequencies and percentages while qualitative data was analyzed and reported in a narrative.

The major findings of the study indicated that youth groups member need to be encouraged to train in financial management skills, leadership, marketing and business management skills to help them to earn higher profit margins in their groups hence improved performance. The study recommends that: youth entrepreneurship should be encouraged as an important strategy for integrating the youth in the labour markets thereby addressing unemployment challenges in Kenya and the world as a whole.

The study can also be used by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and other stakeholders to reliably guide the youths to venture into viable projects. The study suggests that further research to be done to identify the challenges facing youth group projects in Kisii County. It also suggested that a study be carried out to establish why the youth are not using modem technology (ICT) in teaching entrepreneurial skills and marketing of their products.