EXPLORATION OF ENTREPRENEURIAL INTENTIONS AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS IN KENYA

Abstract

Entrepreneurial intention has received much attention from both scholars and policy makers in the recent past due to the realization that the entrepreneurial intention may lead to entrepreneurial activities which offers great potential for employment creation among the university students and economic growth of a country. Although there has been much interest in entrepreneurship, attributes that might impact on the propensity to venture into entrepreneurship among university students in Kenya is rarely examined. The present study explored the triggers and hindrances to entrepreneurial intentions among university students, specifically Chuka University students. The sample included the final year students of Chuka University from across various programmes. Using a correlation research design, the study empirically examined the impact of personal attributes, entrepreneurial experience, entrepreneurial education and government support system on entrepreneurship intention. The theory of planned behaviour (TPB) model guided the present research. Primary data was obtained through a questionnaire survey method administered to a sample of 120 final year students of Chuka University. Statistical techniques employed included confirmatory factor analysis, correlation analysis, and partial least square (PLS) regression analysis. The results were presented in tables and structural equation modeling. The findings revealed that attitude and self-efficacy played a significant role in entrepreneurial intentions among the students. The entrepreneurial experience had a significant impact on entrepreneurial intention. The study recommends that the students should be encouraged to form or join student clubs where they meet and discuss possible joint business ventures. Secondly, the students should seek information on means of accessing capital for their business ideas. Besides, the government’s social and economic structures should be efficient to ensure that youth have access to cheap and readily available capital.