dc.description.abstract | This study examines technology incubation centres’ contribution to international
youth development in Kenya. The concept of the technology incubation centres is
increasingly being recognized as a practical tool of entrepreneurship. Kenya seems to
be making major strides in its improvement in the ST&I sector and the success is
being reflected in the economy. However, there are gaps/ loop holes that exist in
Kenya’s technology sector that have greatly hindered the maximization of incubation
centres to a level that would propel Kenya’s economic development to a higher level.
The variables analyzed include legal, policy and institutional frameworks,
functioning, skills development, employment creation and recognition and challenges
encountered in the operations of the technology incubation centres.
The study is conceptualized using a framework that analyses variables like existing
sound system, structure, personnel, innovation, nurturing young firms, providing
facilities, business networking forums, advocacy, legal advice and IP protection,
development funds, government policies and the private sector experience. These
factors lead to youth skills and entrepreneurship development, employment and
business opportunities.
This study finds out that technology incubation centres contribute to international
development of the youth. However, this can only be achieved if strong policy, legal
and institutional frameworks are in place. For sustainable functioning, a balance needs
to be struck in the set up, research and training and programs. The programs need to
be comprehensive, systemic and well planned so as to achieve the expected outcome.
In Kenya, sustainability is lacking, as there are challenges of inadequate resources
like manpower, low stakeholder input and inadequate funding.
In addition, the study finds out that challenges like lack of long-term courses and
trainings that provide both theoretical and practical skills, competing interests
between the innovators and the incubation centres and financial constrain incubation
centres impacts cannot be achieved.
Recommendations emanating from this study include introduction of policies that
address technology incubation centres directly to promote sustainability of the startv
ups and encourage the existence of real enterprises. The government needs to give
more direct support for the technology incubation centres as they are recognized as
one of the contributors of achieving the vision 2030 goals. It should also work with
the private sector in strengthening holistic entrepreneurial support within the
technology incubation centres. Further, it is necessary for a balance to be struck
between policies and services provided at the technology incubation centres. Since the
success of technology incubation centres ultimately results to economic growth and
development, it is important for further research to substantiate the economic value
attained from the success of technology incubation centres in Kenya. | en_US |