| dc.description.abstract | This study sought to examine the influence of Youth Enterprise Development Fund on
Rural development in Kikuyu Constituency, Kiambu County, Kenya. The objectives of the
study addressed the issues of loan disbursement, capacity building, timeliness of
disbursements, and project identification as influencers of youth empowerment in Kikuyu
Constituency, Kiambu County. Research methodology adopted by this study was a survey
method and the study targeted the youth groups within Kikuyu Constituency who borrowed
from the Youth Enterprise Development Fund From 2013- 2015. The total target population
comprised 300 members and sample size consisted of 150 respondents. Both open-ended
and close-ended questionnaires were used, as well as an interview guide for the key
informants. In this research, descriptive statistics were used. The questionnaires were edited
first for accuracy, and completeness. The study used frequency distribution and
percentages, and computer software-Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) as a
tool of analyzing data, and to establish relationships between variables. The analyzed data
was tabulated for presentation. The findings on loan disbursement indicated that the
respondents were aware of the requirements needed before loan applications were made. In
addition, the respondents expressed appreciation of the interest-free loans, but decried the
loan amounts as inadequate. The respondents also pointed out that although they received
advance training before they started new businesses, they felt that more training was needed
in order to enhance their skills in their businesses. They also felt that the duration it took to
release the funds after application was too long, and it hampered their ability to plan for
business capital. In terms of project identification, the respondents felt the need for greater
involvement of the government in market linkage for their products and services. Further,
the study found that the found that the youth have benefited economically from the various
YEDF funded projects, there has been a reduction in unemployment as well as growth in
development of Kikuyu Constituency The study recommends that there be a reduction in
the time it takes to process the loans, so that the youth can take advantage of the special
Government tenders that are reserved for them. The loan amounts can be increased at the
discretion of the Government so that the youth have sufficient funds to set up and expand
their businesses. Flexibility in giving subsequent loans should also be considered especially
where the youth are carrying out a special project. | en_US |
