Information Systems in Small and Medium Enterprises

Abstract

This study set out to establish the influence of Information Systems in small and micro enterprises, as a vehicle for implementing youth employment policies in Kenya. The objectives of the study were to asses the role of information systems in SMEs as avenues for implementing youth employment policies; identify role of youth employment policies and the role of TVET sector in youth employment. The study used descriptive survey design. The sample size consisted of the 15 Small and Medium Entreprises (SMEs) that were registered, offer loans to members of the public and operate in their own premises. Both quantitative and qualitative data was collected and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The study found that most SMEs could not apply the information systems in their operations because of the high cost involved. Most youth employment policies have not been successful. Most parents and learners have not embraced TVET courses as avenues to youth employment preferring to take up university courses. The study further found that most SMEs had not exhausted the optimum employment capacity and contributed to youth unemployment in Kenya. The study also found out that there were no proper policies on youth employment in SMEs, and also the role of TVET on youth training and employment was not well realized. The study recommended that SMEs should invest in the information systems to enhance customer relationship management; education, training and mentorship; monitoring and evaluation; and for research and development in order to create employment opportunities for the youth; TVET institutions in conjunction with SMEs should come with a proper curriculum designed to meet market needs to ensure youth employment; and the government should have proper policies to enhance youth employment in SMEs.