Determinants of cohesion among youth groups: The case of selected youth groups in Kikuyu sub county Kiambu Kenya

Abstract

Youth are an important asset in a nation because through them a nation develops socially, politically and economically. Youth groups help to address various challenges faced by the youth and help them develop themselves individually and a group as a whole. The purpose of this study was to investigate determinants of cohesion among youth groups in Kikuyu sub-county Kiambu County. The objectives of this study included: to determine the influence of leadership styles on cohesion among the youth groups, to assess the influence of group members‟ characteristics on cohesion among youth groups, to examine the influence of attitude on cohesion among youth groups and to explore the influence of entry behaviour on cohesion among youth groups. To achieve this, the study adopted a descriptive research design whereby the respondents described the extent of group integration. It was both qualitative and quantitative by nature. The study was carried out in Kikuyu sub-county in Kiambu County. The target population was 100 and the estimated sample size was 80 based on Krejcie and Morgan‟s (1970) table for determining the sample size from the selected 26 youth groups and 2 key informants from the population. Questionnaires were used to collect data from the youth respondents and the interview guide was used to gather information from the key informants. Interviews with the key informants were used to obtain information on demographic, socio-economic, youth group information, knowledge, attitude and practices related to youth groups. The completed questionnaires were coded, entered into SPSS, analysed and presented in form of tables of frequencies and percentages. 70 of the youth responded and returned the questionnaire giving a questionnaire return rate of 89.7%. The study found out that democratic style was mostly practised by group leaders indicated by 61.4% of the respondents. Results indicated that there was a positive correlation between leadership styles and cohesion which was 0.621 that was statistically significant. The study showed that majority 32.9% were small groups that comprised both male and female. It further indicated that majority of the members 74.3% agreed that age differences had an impact on cohesion. There was a strong positive correlation between group members‟ characteristics and cohesion which was 0.798 that was statistically significant. The study revealed that most of the youth 37.1% agreed that meetings were well attended. Correlation was positive of 0.843. It was established that most groups were for entrepreneurship purpose that was 42.9%. Majority of the youth 92.9% showed that they had group goals. There was a strong positive correlation between entry behaviour and cohesion of 0.754 that was statistically significant. The study recommended that National Youth Council to release adequate funds to youth groups and NGOS aid in gender mainstreaming to be incorporated into youth groups to reduce gender discrimination. Youth groups to be assisted in acquisition of better information and skills. The county government should work together with the youth groups so that groups can achieve the set goals and objectives. The study suggested that research to be carried out on influence of cohesion on performance of youth groups and organisational learning.