Level of Implementation of Youth Empowerment Programs in Addressing Relative Poverty: Evidence from Vihiga County, Kenya

Abstract

Relative poverty among youth remains persistently high in Kenya despite the proliferation of youth empowerment programs. While outcomes such as employment and income are widely documented, evidence on how implementation processes shape poverty alleviation is limited, particularly in rural counties such as Vihiga. This study assessed the level of implementation of youth empowerment programs in addressing relative poverty among youths in Vihiga County, Kenya. A descriptive cross-sectional design was adopted. The target population was 138,665 youth; a sample of 399 was determined using Yamane (1967) formula. Simple random sampling was used for youth respondents and purposive sampling for 12 key informants. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and key informant interviews. The Objective 1 scale reliability was Cronbach's α = 0.821. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation (SPSS v27); qualitative data were analyzed thematically. Results showed moderate but uneven implementation. Coverage was rated at 74.3% (38.7% agree, 35.6% strongly agree). Quality was rated high: relevance 93.8%, trainer competence 95.2%, and skills/knowledge gain 96.9%. Accessibility and equity: ease of access 79.7%, equity 88.4%, and consideration for marginalized youth 85.1%. Fidelity: 92.9% reported delivery as planned and 94.6% reported large effect on objectives. Accessibility (r = .444, p < .001) and fidelity (r = .563, p < .001) were significantly and positively correlated with livelihood improvement, while participation constraints were not (r = .070, p = .189). The study concludes that implementation quality, particularly fidelity and accessibility, is a critical pathway for relative poverty alleviation. Recommendations include strengthening monitoring and evaluation, institutionalizing ward-level decentralization, and standardizing training protocols.