| dc.description.abstract | The purpose of this study was on the influence of application of information
communication technologies on livelihood generation strategies of youth in Kakamega Central
Sub-County. Youth in Kakamega Central Sub-County face unemployment as one of the major
challenges. This situation has led them into high rates of dependency and ultimately
engagement in criminal activities. Information communication technology has been identified
as key to addressing the problems facing the youth with information dissemination and
marketing for mass adoption of new technologies as a strategy. As new information and
communication technologies increasingly penetrate the different economic sectors,
disadvantaged groups now have more opportunities to participate in these sectors. Individuals
especially youth can only take advantage of the opportunities ICTs offer in increasing
productivity and competitiveness by acquiring new knowledge and skills in order to improve
their livelihoods .The study undertook to examine four objectives; Influence of application of
information communication technologies on Creation of business activities by youth ,
influence of application of information communication technologies on Continuing education
of youth , influence of application of information communication technologies on
socialization of youth and influence of application of information communication technologies
on access to employment opportunities by youth and their impact on the livelihoods of youth
thus , the researcher sought answers to the following questions : To what extent does
application of ICTs influence creation of business activities by youth in Kakamega Central
Sub-County ? To what extent does application of ICTs influence continuing education of
youth? To what extent does application of ICTs influence socialization of youth? And lastly,
to what extent does application of ICTs influence access to employment opportunities by
youth in Kakamega Central Sub-County? The researcher also investigated the rate of
adoption of information communication technologies among youth and how this was helping
in improving their lives in Kakamega Central Sub-County. The target population for the study
comprised 2200 youth from registered youth groups drawn from the five locations within
Kakamega Central Sub-County .The sample size included 327 respondents drawn from the
sampled youth groups. The sample size was determined using Krecjcie Morgan‟s
Table(Appendix III) for determining sample size whereas for sampling technique, the
researcher used simple random sampling as well as proportionate sampling to attain the
number of youth and youth groups required for the study. The researcher employed
descriptive survey research design and used the questionnaire to answer the research
questions. The research instruments were piloted and their validity and reliability ascertained
through test –retest method and by using the experts at the University of Nairobi. The
researcher analyzed data collected using descriptive statistics for qualitative data which was
presented through frequency distributions, percentages and tabulation this was aided by using
Statistical Package for Social Sciences Program (SPSS) computer package in analysis of
quantitative data. The findings reveal that ICT had a high positive influence on creation of
business activities as evidenced by 136(44.3%) of respondents who agreed and 96(31.3%)
who strongly agreed. Most youth were also able to access job opportunities due to increased
use of ICT as supported by 153(49.8%) of respondents who strongly agreed. Education for
youth has also flourished due to the influence of ICT as confirmed by 153 (49.8%) of
respondents .The researcher concluded that indeed ICT has had a positive impact on business
activities among youth in Kakamega Central Sub-County. Furthermore, it has helped youth
continue with their education irrespective of their backgrounds. Based on the findings and
conclusions , the researcher recommended that the government should empower youth in
their use of ICT by providing them with material requirements to improve on their ICT
knowledge and also facilitate use of internet in public primary and secondary schools to
enhance research and use of ICT at early stages among youth | en_US |
