| dc.description.abstract | Youths who presently constitute the largest segment of the nation�s population can effectively
contribute to the nations Labour force from the large pool of the unemployed; and as well as
introducing measures aimed at bringing more equitable development in all regions of the country
but they have been generally excluded from designing, planning and implementing programmes
and policies that affect them.The purpose of this study was to establish the factors influencing
the performance of government sponsored youth economic empowerment programmes in
Rachuonyo North district. The study sought to investigate whether the economic empowerment
programmes are addressing the issue of inadequacies of the Labour market where our education
system is generating more individuals than the market is able to absorb. The study was guided by
four objectives; establishing the influence of entrepreneurial skills; assessing the influence of
awareness creation; determining how management of credit influences the performance;
examining how the lending conditions influences the performance of government sponsored
programmes. The study was guided by the welfare economic theory. A questionnaire was the
main data collection tool. The descriptive survey research design was employed in this study.
The target population of the study was the 327 youth groups who have benefited from
empowerment fund from which a sample of 30 groups was obtained, three government officials
stationed in Rachuonyo North Sub County. Simple random sampling was used. Validity and
reliability of research instruments was done by piloting and test- retest technique. Data was
administered after obtaining permission from the Ministry of Education. Descriptive statistics
was used to analyze the data and it was presented using frequency tables and percentages. The
results indicated that entrepreneurial skills influenced the performance empowerment
programmes as it equipped youth groups with relevant training to manage their enterprises. Also
awareness creation influenced information dissemination but could be improved to ensure further
access to business ventures. Majority of the borrowers were able to access funds but had issues
with internal control safeguards but they were sufficient to prevent default. Visits by youth
officers and the frequency of their visits increased and influenced performance of the loans
avoiding default. Credit appraisal of youth groups before awarding those loans was done, and
this improved follow up procedures that led to the implementation of only viable and sustainable
projects. The study recommends a comprehensive inquiry on merging and consolidating the
existing programs to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness entrepreneurial activities for youth
funded programs. A similar study could also be carried out on other variables not included in this
study. Also studies that relate to the role of government youth officers in effective
implementation of youth empowerment programs and finally further studies should also be done
to assess the impact of these funds on the livelihood of the youths. This will help shed light on
the successes of the funds are creating employment and improvement of livelihoods | en_US |
