Access and utilization of the youth enterprise development fund in tongaren constituence, Bungoma County, Kenya

Abstract

A number of strategies have been employed to tackle youth unemployment in various countries especially less developed countries. One such strategy has been the setting up of a youth enterprise development fund. Despite good intentions there are indications that much has not been achieved by this development strategy. Youth programs do not spend full allocations leaving the revolving fund idle. Kenya‘s youth enterprise development fund has also indicated similar access challenges despite visible demand. The study seeks to examine factors inhibiting the utilization of youth enterprise development funds. The objectives of the study are to evaluate the process involved in the utilization of the youth enterprise development funds, examine the extent to which the process of implementation meets intended objectives and establish challenges associated with the implementation of the program. The study is based on attribution theory proposed by Heider, which states that the beliefs about the underlying causes of social problems such as poverty, inequality and unemployment play an important role in determining individuals‘ attitudes and behavioral responses towards development strategies. Youth perception of the enterprise funds makes the influences whether or not they decide to utilize the fund. The research instruments used in this study were questionnaires, focused group discussions and in-depth interview guide. The study was descriptive in nature and targeted youth between the age of 18 and 35 in groups or enterprises within Tongaren Constituency. The researcher used multistage sampling design to generate an appropriate sample size of 214 respondents. The collected data was analyzed using descriptive and analytical methods. Chi square was used to test hypothesis. The study found out that participation is a major determinant of access to YEDF. The women involvement, awareness and targeted training were important contributors to effective participation. Findings are crucial in developing effective strategies to facilitate effective participation of youth in development.