*School of Business and Economics, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology. P.O. Box 210–40601, Bondo, Kenya
**School of Mathematics and Actuarial Science, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology. P.O. Box 210–40601, Bondo, Kenya
Online published on 20 March, 2014.
This paper establishes the challenges and opportunities of youth enterprise development fund on employment creation for youths in Kisumu West district. The study adopted a descriptive survey design. A sample of 30 youth groups was selected out of 45 groups in the district through random sampling technique. Three hundred and eighty four (384) youths have been sampled by the study that was also picked randomly to ensure that everybody had a chance to be selected for the study. Stratified random sampling was used to select clusters which include youth groups, youths and government officers. The study found out that YEDF led to growth of business enterprises, creation of employment, improved livelihood, efficiency in financial management through checks and balances. In addition, YEDF was found to face challenges such as inadequate funding, lengthy disbursement procedures, and inability of youths to pay back loans among others. The study recommended that the disbursement process be shortened, funding be increased and more awareness be created to sensitize youths on the importance of the fund.
