Effect of Youth Enterprise Development Fund on Entrepreneurial Development in Ainamoi Sub-County, Kericho County, Kenya

Abstract

The role of Youth Enterprise Development Fund (YEDF) is intended to be readily available source of funding for entrepreneurial projects by youth, it effects remains a challenge. The study aimed at investigating the effect of the youth enterprise development fund on the entrepreneurial development in Kenya. The study was guided by the following objectives; to determine the effects of training on entrepreneurial development, to analyze the effects of linkages on entrepreneurial development and establish the effects of provision of business development services on entrepreneurial development. The study was guided by neoclassical theory and Alfred Marshall's theory. The study adopted a survey research design and was conducted in Ainamoi Sub County in Kericho County, Kenya. The target population consisted of 569 youths. The study sampled 230 respondents; questionnaires were used in data collection, to test reliability it employed the use of Cronbach's alpha coefficient. Data collected was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Analyzed data was presented using tables and figures. The study found that there was a significant relationship between training on entrepreneurial development (p=0.000); there was a significant relationship between linkages on entrepreneurial development (p=0.000); there was a significant relationship between provision of Business Development Services (BDS) on entrepreneurial development (p=0.000). The study concluded that entrepreneurship training influenced entrepreneurial development; when youth enterprises are linked by YEDF to a large enterprise, youth enterprises will learn from them; Business Development Services (BDS) is important because it contribute to development goals such as economic growth, employment generation as well as poverty alleviation. The study recommended that YEDF training programmes on entrepreneurship should be enhanced and be made compulsory before any group is funded.