Human Resource Development and Organisational Performance in Government-Sponsored Youth Empowerment Organizations in Kenya

Abstract

Purpose: Government-sponsored Youth Empowerment organisations (GSYEOs) are designed to skill, prepare, and empower the youths toward poverty eradication, formal employment, and self-reliance. However, poverty and unemployment among the youths in Kenya seem to be on an onward trajectory. Yet, scarce research has been conducted on the influence of strategic direction on the performance of GSYEOs. This study examines the influence of strategic direction and the performance of GSYEOs in Kenya, which is anchored on strategic leadership theory and measured using the Balance Score Card framework. Design/Methodology/Approach: A descriptive research design was utilised, a random sample of five GSYEOs with a total population of 1089 employees was adopted, and a sample of 109 was derived. Simple analysis results show that the relationship between organisational performance and Human Resource Development is statistically significant as (p<0.05), 65.0% of the variation in the organisational performance can be explained by the regression model (R2=0.65, ΔR2=0.644, F(1,64) =118.748, P<0.05).  Results showed that that 65% was a good fit for the organisational performance. Implications/Originality/Value: The study recommends that the Government of Kenya allocate and prioritise funding for capacity building in Government-Sponsored Youth Empowerment Organizations.