Effectiveness of knowledge sharing practices among youth entrepreneurs engaged in small and Medium enterprise (SMEs) in Kenya

Abstract

Knowledge Sharing (KS) is a critical element for the growth and development of business enterprises. For youth entrepreneurs in Kenya, particularly those managing Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), effective knowledge sharing can significantly enhance business culture and performance. This study explores the effectiveness of KS practices among youth entrepreneurs in Nairobi County, Kenya, and examines how these practices influence the business culture. The study employs qualitative research methods, utilizing interviews and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) to gather data. The study's target population consisted of 1147 youth who were registered by Youth Enterprise Development Fund (YEDF). Using purposive sampling, three interviewees—all from the state department for youths YEDF, Micro and Small Enterprise Authority (MSEA), and Industrialization, Trade, and Enterprise Development (ITED)—and participants in the fifteen focus group discussions, each with an average of six participants, were selected. Key findings reveal that youth entrepreneurs mostly exchange their implicit and explicit knowledge through social media, digital platforms, and mentorship initiatives. Inadequate infrastructure, distrust, and technological obstacles are just a few of the issues the research highlights as bottlenecks to successful KS. The study concludes that effective knowledge sharing among youth entrepreneurs in Nairobi County is crucial for improving business performance, enhancing innovation, and fostering adaptability to challenges. However, barriers such as inadequate infrastructure, limited trust, and insufficient knowledge-sharing structures must be addressed to maximize the benefits of these practices. Recommendations are made to improve KS practices, which include enhancing digital literacy, fostering a culture of trust, and developing robust KS platforms.