Learning resources of entrepreneurship Education and acquisition of entrepreneurial skills among Diploma Students of Hospitality Management in TVETS, Kenya

Abstract

Globally, policymakers, students and researchers believe that entrepreneurial skills can be acquired through entrepreneurship education (EE) to enhance the growth of the economy. However, acquisition of entrepreneurial skills can only be achieved through an enabling learning environment. This study examined the relationship between learning resources of EE and acquisition of entrepreneurial skills among students in selected Technical Vocational Education and Training Institutions (TVETs) in Kenya using Kolb’s Theory of Learning. Besides, it investigated the extent to which learning resources of EE are provided in selected TVET institutions in Kenya. The study was conducted in five TVET learning institutions, using a sample of 132 students pursuing a diploma course in Food and Beverage Production, Service and Sales Management. The findings provide an empirical evidence of a positive relationship between learning resources of EE and acquisition of entrepreneurial skills among students in TVETs in Kenya. Besides, it is evident that TVETs in Kenya experience the challenge of inadequate EE learning resources because most TVETs overly rely on the single source funding from the government. Therefore, recommendations are made to TVETs to manage costs of training and establish income generating activities. Furthermore, the study recommends a review of policies on trainer licensing requirements to enhance quality training and establishment of structured collaboration frameworks with other government agencies such as Youth Enterprise Development Fund in order to nurture entrepreneurial opportunities among TVET student