Youth engagement in development interventions in Homa Bay County, Kenya

Abstract

Despite numerous youth development interventions targeting youth development in Kenya, youth engagement is still low. This study in Homa Bay County, Western Kenya, assessed the extent of youth engagement and the factors influencing engagement in development interventions. It also examined the challenges faced by the youth and the service providers. The study used a pragmatism research philosophy, in which mixed methods and a concurrent triangulation research design were adopted to collect qualitative and quantitative data simultaneously. Using simple random sampling, 329 youths were selected for the quantitative study, while 18 respondents were selected purposively for the qualitative component. Quantitative data was collected through the survey method, while qualitative data was gathered through key informants and in-depth interviews. Quantitative data were analysed statistically, while qualitative data were analysed thematically. Quantitative and qualitative results were integrated while interpreting the results. These results show that most respondents had lower engagement levels in development interventions. Factors such as the level of education, age, and locality influenced the youths' engagement. Gender, marital status, and family background did not significantly influence youth engagement. Programme factors like the context of programme implementation, beneficiary selection criteria, leadership roles, knowledge of programme objectives, flexibility to youth's diverse needs, friendliness of the youth engagement environment, mentorship opportunities, and involvement in decision-making also influenced the nature of youth engagement. As regards the challenges, the youth were constrained by inadequate resources, insufficient capital, delayed disbursement of funds, a lack of funding, and insufficiency of follow-up visits. On the outcomes of engagement, it was established that those who scored higher in the engagement index were also more likely to report more positive outcomes in the 5Cs (competence, confidence, character, connection, and care) and contribution. This is indicative of positive youth development outcomes. The study recommends that in order to improve youth involvement in development interventions, the programmes should familiarize themselves with contextual factors, make the engagement environment friendlier, encourage genuine involvement in all stages of the interventions, and adopt innovative youth engagement strategies like using social media. They should also solicit timely feedback and consider individual characteristics during the implementation of the interventions