Youth Business Establishment in Kenya: The Case of Fish and Poultry Sub Sectors

A Project Report Submitted to the Chandaria School of Business in Partial Fulfillment of theRequirement for the Degree of Master of Business Administration (MBA)The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors that influence youth business establishment in the fish and poultry sub sectors. The study was guided by three research questions: How does education affect youth business establishment? How does use of technology affect youth business establishment? And how does mentorship influence youth business establishment? The study used descriptive research design. Data collection methods included interviews, questionnaires and observation. The study focussed on 300 youths aged between 18-35 years drawn from across Kenya. A sample of 60 youths was chosen through judgement samplingafter a rigorous vetting process that included presenting their business ideas before a panel of judges. Stratified sampling technique was used to ensure equal gender representation in the sample leading to having 30 males and 30 females. Data was collected over a time period between January 2016 and May 2017. The logistic regression model revealed that there was no significant association between education and the probability of business establishment while both technology and mentorship had significant influence to the probability of business establishment. The study concluded that both technology and mentorship significantly contributed to business establishment. However, education was necessary but not sufficient. The study recommends that the education curriculum should provide an option that emphasizes on entrepreneurship from an early stage. In addition, entrepreneurs should integrate the use of technology in their businesses. Lastly, the government and private sector should develop mentorship programs that can help potential youth entrepreneurs to actualize their dreams