Uwezo Fund As A Tool For Youth Economic Empowerment: Case Of Juja Constituency, Kiambu County, Kenya.

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study sought to examine Uwezo Fund as a tool for youth economic empowerment in Juja Constituency, Kiambu County, Kenya. The objectives of the study addressed the issues of access to credit, access to entrepreneurship training and education and timely loan disbursement in Juja Constituency. Research design used in this study was a descriptive survey method. The study targeted youth groups within Juja Constituency who have borrowed from Uwezo Fund since its inception in 2013. The total target population comprised 355 members and sample size consisted 107 members. Open ended and closed ended questionnaires were used. The study used frequency distribution and percentages to establish relationship between variables. The analyzed data was tabulated for presentation. The study established that Uwezo Fund was easily available to youths whereby majority responded that the fund was helpful. A significant number had taken the fund to expand their business though few had taken the fund for startup businesses. This has resulted in entreprenual growth among the youth. On timely loan disbursement it was established that majority of the youth groups had to wait for at least a month to get the funds. Majority of the youths responded that this delay negatively affects their businesses e.g. when bidding for competitive supply tenders. The study recommends that that the government should create a policy framework that recognizes the importance of marketing goods and services produced by youths. Also priority should be given to youth when securing competitive government tenders. The government may also consider increasing the loan amount given to youth groups and also ensure flexibility in giving subsequent loans to ensure a cut in time taken to disburse the loan.