SOCIAL NETWORKS INFLUENCING EFFECTIVE UTILIZATION OF YEDF IN ISIOLO COUNTY, KENYA

Abstract

The Youth Enterprise Development Fund (YEDF) was founded in the year 2006 with the aim of enhancing the wellbeing of youth in Kenya. Although Isiolo County is among the counties with the highest targeted number of youth beneficiaries (78,526), there is evidence of low levels of economic empowerment among them. The purpose of this study was to assess the social networks influencing effective utilization of YEDF in Isiolo County, Kenya. The study integrated correlational research and descriptive survey designs. The total study population was 9,602 people. This included a target population of 1,919 youths who have benefitted from YEDF in Isiolo County as at December 2021. These youths were obtained from the 288 youth groups whose members have benefited from YEDF. The population also included 7 YEDF officials in Isiolo County and 7,676 community members. A sample of 384 respondents consisting of 277 youths who have benefitted from YEDF in Isiolo County and 100 community members was obtained proportionately and purposively respectively. All the 7 YEDF officials in Isiolo County participated in the study. Data collection was done using questionnaires and interview schedule. The questionnaires were self-administered. An interview schedule for the key informants was filled by the respondents. Research assistants were hired to assist in the process. The respondents were given time to respond to the questionnaires and those who were not able to read or write were be assisted. Piloting was carried out in Tharaka Nithi County to establish reliability of data collection instruments. Reliability of the instruments was estimated using Cronbach Alpha Coefficients. Descriptive statistics used included frequencies and percentages. The inferential statistics used in the study was linear regression. It was evident, from the study that social networks had significant effects on effective utilization of youth enterprise development fund. The study recommended the necessity of integrating YEDF entrepreneurship trainings with IT through inclusion of digital financial transaction technology experts in the training programmes such as M-pesa and the banking sector. Research findings and recommendations could be used to guide further research as well as policy makers in relation to YEDF KeyWords: Social Networks, Effective Utilization, Entrepreneurial Partnerships, Financial Training, Information Technology Training.