THE INFLUENCE OF PROJECT TEAM ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF YOUTH ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT FUND PROJECTS IN MACHAKOS’ COUNTY, KENYA

Abstract

Africa faces a problem of youth unemployment. This rate is even worsening gradually over the
years especially due to economic recession facing many countries. Kenya has experienced high
rates of unemployment and has introduced projects that can be able to help the youth. The Youth
Enterprise Development Fund (YEDF) was launched in order to address the youth
unemployment issue by ensuring they provide loans and equip the youth with appropriate skills
to creatively engage in economically beneficial activities. However, lack of supportive
implementation structures has occluded the youth from accessing such loans. This research
project aimed at establishing the influence of project team on the implementation of the youth
enterprise development fund project in Machakos County, Kenya. The study used a descriptive
research design. The target population for this Research was 100 projects under the YEDF. The
respondents were the Project Managers and the sample size was determined using Fisher’s
formula. The Data collection instrument was through questionnaires. The data was analyzed
using descriptive and inferential statistics. The relationship between project team and YEDF
projects’ implementation was found to be positive and significant.The study concluded those
project teams have a positive and significant influence on YEDF projects’ implementation and
also the project team influences project implementation through total commitment to the project
where they devote their time and energy. The study recommended that project team should
remain steadfast in their support for the project by coming up with strategies that they can
effectively adopt to ensure successful implementation of the projects.