International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume VI, Issue VII, July 2022 | ISSN 2454–6186
Joram Kiarie Njuguna, Prof. Nelson Jagero (PhD),
Chuka University, kenya
Abstract: The objectives of the study were to; investigate the social institutions influencing effective utilization, investigate social networks influencing effective utilization, establish how work place values influence effective utilization and to determine cultural values that influence effective utilization of YEDF in Isiolo County, Kenya. The study adopted 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 and obtained from the 288 youth groups in Isiolo County. The population also included 7 YEDF officials and 7,676 community members. A sample of 384 respondents was obtained both proportionately and purposively. All the 7 YEDF officials participated in the study. Data collection was done using questionnaires and interviews. Reliability of the instruments was estimated using Cronbach Alpha Coefficients. Questionnaire for youths had a reliability coefficient index of 0.916 while questionnaire for community members had a reliability coefficient of 0.805 which were deemed reliable basing on the threshold set at 0.7 Cronbach Alpha Coefficient Index. Both questionnaires were self-administered. An interview schedule for the key informants was also used and 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. Data was analyzed by use of descriptive and inferential statistics. The descriptive statistics used in the study was mean, standard deviation, percentages and frequencies while the inferential statistics used was linear regression. The study findings indicated that social institutions had significant influence on effective utilization of youth enterprise development fund. The study recommended incorporation of the YEDF beneficiaries’ family members, peers and religious institutions in planned sensitization trainings for the fund to reduce the barriers caused by such institutions on effective utilization of the fund.
Key Words: Social Institutions, Effective Utilization, Youth Enterprise Development Fund, Education, Religion.
I. INTRODUCTION
Worldwide, effective utilization of YEDF enables the fund to achieve its main objective of youth empowerment. This utilization is, however, subject to some influences globally. In the United States of America (USA), for example, upon realization that formal jobs are not always available, the Federal government focused primarily on how to improve the life chances of disadvantaged youth. The high youth unemployment motivated Congress to pass the Youth