Factors influencing performance of government sponsored youth economic empowerment programmes case of Rachuonyo North district; Homabay county

Abstract

Youths who presently constitute the largest segment of the nation�s population can effectively contribute to the nations Labour force from the large pool of the unemployed; and as well as introducing measures aimed at bringing more equitable development in all regions of the country but they have been generally excluded from designing, planning and implementing programmes and policies that affect them.The purpose of this study was to establish the factors influencing the performance of government sponsored youth economic empowerment programmes in Rachuonyo North district. The study sought to investigate whether the economic empowerment programmes are addressing the issue of inadequacies of the Labour market where our education system is generating more individuals than the market is able to absorb. The study was guided by four objectives; establishing the influence of entrepreneurial skills; assessing the influence of awareness creation; determining how management of credit influences the performance; examining how the lending conditions influences the performance of government sponsored programmes. The study was guided by the welfare economic theory. A questionnaire was the main data collection tool. The descriptive survey research design was employed in this study. The target population of the study was the 327 youth groups who have benefited from empowerment fund from which a sample of 30 groups was obtained, three government officials stationed in Rachuonyo North Sub County. Simple random sampling was used. Validity and reliability of research instruments was done by piloting and test- retest technique. Data was administered after obtaining permission from the Ministry of Education. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze the data and it was presented using frequency tables and percentages. The results indicated that entrepreneurial skills influenced the performance empowerment programmes as it equipped youth groups with relevant training to manage their enterprises. Also awareness creation influenced information dissemination but could be improved to ensure further access to business ventures. Majority of the borrowers were able to access funds but had issues with internal control safeguards but they were sufficient to prevent default. Visits by youth officers and the frequency of their visits increased and influenced performance of the loans avoiding default. Credit appraisal of youth groups before awarding those loans was done, and this improved follow up procedures that led to the implementation of only viable and sustainable projects. The study recommends a comprehensive inquiry on merging and consolidating the existing programs to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness entrepreneurial activities for youth funded programs. A similar study could also be carried out on other variables not included in this study. Also studies that relate to the role of government youth officers in effective implementation of youth empowerment programs and finally further studies should also be done to assess the impact of these funds on the livelihood of the youths. This will help shed light on the successes of the funds are creating employment and improvement of livelihoods