LENDER SPECIFIC FACTORS AND REPAYMENT OF INDIVIDUAL LOANS PROVIDED BY YOUTH ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT FUND IN EMBU COUNTY, KENYA
Abstract
Purpose of the Study: This study aims to investigate the impact of lender-specific factors on the repayment of individual loans provided by the Youth Enterprise Development Fund (YEDF) in Embu County, Kenya.
Statement of the Problem: Lender-specific factors significantly influence loan repayment behavior by individuals and organizations. Favorable lending terms and procedures encourage loan repayment, while unfavorable ones lead to defaults. The YEDF has experienced an increase in defaults on individual loans. While previous research on lender-specific factors and loan repayment presents mixed results, local studies reveal research gaps in this area within Embu County. Therefore, this study examines the effect of lender-specific factors on the repayment of individual loans provided by YEDF in Embu County, Kenya.
Methodology: Employing an explanatory research survey design and positivism research philosophy, the study targeted 705 individual loan youth beneficiaries from YEDF Embu County. A stratified random sample of 255 individuals participated. Primary data was collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics. Logit regression analysis was used to investigate the relationship between the explanatory variables and the predicted variable (loan repayment).
Results: Descriptive analysis revealed that male beneficiaries outnumbered female beneficiaries. The majority of individual loan beneficiaries were within the 30-34 age bracket and were married. Most respondents reported having academic qualifications, while nearly all lacked business management training. Additionally, the study found a positive effect of lender-specific factors on loan repayment.
Conclusion: This study concludes that lender-specific factors have a statistically significant positive effect on the repayment of individual loans provided by YEDF in Embu County, Kenya.
Recommendation: The YEDF should prioritize streamlining and user-friendly application processes to facilitate loan acquisition for youth beneficiaries.
Keywords: Lender, Repayment, Individual Loans, Youth, Enterprise Development Fund
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