Influence of youth enterprise development fund on youth projects development in Trans-nzoia west sub-county, Kenya

Abstract

This study investigated the influence of Youth Enterprise Development Fund (YEDF) on youth projects development in Trans-Nzoia West sub County, Kenya. The objectives of the study were as follows: to establish number of loans disbursed, types of trainings, timelines of loan disbursement and the YEDF market linkage influence on youth projects development in Trans-Nzoia West sub County, Kenya. The study utilized a descriptive survey research design. The study targeted the youth groups within TransNzoia West Sub County who borrowed loans from the Youth Enterprise Development Fund in 2014. The total target population comprised of 694 members and the sample size consisted of 248 respondents, of which 6 of them were key informants from the Youth Fund office. The questionnaire used both open and close-ended items. An interview guide was used on key informants. The instruments‟ validity was ascertained by the supervisor. Reliability of the instruments was determined through a pilot study using a test retest technique which was used to establish the reliability. Data was analysed both quantitatively and qualitatively using SPSS version 17. Data was presented in frequency tables and percentages. The researcher reported the data verbatim in order to give the respondents voice and to enable the reader „feel‟ the interviews. The study revealed that YEDF loan disbursement procedures and guidelines influenced the development of youth projects. The application formalities and procedures influenced the accessibility of YEDF loan for project development. It was also established that youth received some training from YEDF in project development. Most of the YEDF loan beneficiaries were not aware of the YEDF loan disbursement timeline policies. The study found out that the loan disbursement timelines are always fixed and known to the loan borrower. It was realized that market linkage services from the YEDF have not been able to provide youth groups members with enough market for their goods and services. Despite this market linkage services being offered by the YEDF increased the youth groups members volume of sales.