| dc.description.abstract | Entrepreneurship is the main driving force behind economic growth of any country around the world.. The government of Kenya created YEDF to help reduce youth unemployment through creating youth entrepreneurs. YEDF provide funds, train in business skills and creat market linkages for the youth entrepreneurs. The researcher set out to investigate determinants of performance of Youth Enterprise Development Fund: a case of Manyatta Constituency, in Embu County. The objectives of the study were; To establish how YEDF has performed in provision funds to youth In Manyatta constituency, Embu county. To determine how YEDF has performed in providing trainings in business skills provided to youth Manyatta constituency, Embu county and explore how YEDF has performed in providing market linkages for products and services produced by youth in Manyatta constituency, Embu county.The literature review in the study reveals that, there are various determinants of performance of any Youth Enterprise Development Fund, starting from training youth in business skills, provision of funds, creation of market linkage for youth produces and services, youths' socio-cultural background, goverment policies, amongst other factors. The research was conducted in Manyatta constituency where there were 77 youth groups funded by YEDF between 2007 and 2011 (YEDF status report 2011). The study used descriptive research design and random sampling was used to select 72 youth from 24 sampled youth groups. Questionnaires was used to collect data from the respondents. Data was analyzed by use of SPSS and presented in form of tables of frequencies and percentages. The study found that YEDF is doing well in funding and training of youth but it is doing poorly in creating market linkages for youth produced goods and- services. The study recommended that YEDF and other relevant stakeholders should consider setting up of business incubation centres for nurturing upcoming youth entrepreneurs, the education stakeholders need to tailor appropriate business skills training for the youth and government through YEDF should create policy framework that recognizes the importance of marketing of goods and services produced by the youth run busines. | en |
