Running Head: Proposal 1

Research Proposal: How tough business climate result in crime indulgence

among the youth in Nyahururu.

Name: Faith Marcellah Kajuma

Institutional Affiliation: Laikipia University

1
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Declaration
I declare that this research proposal is my authentic work that has never been presented in

this or any other institution for academic purposes

KAJUMA MARCELLAH. M116/2/0758/017

This proposal has been submitted for examination with my approval as the university

supervisor

Joakim Oundo

Lecturer

Laikipia university
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Dedication
I dedicate this proposal to my amazing mother Aoko Arwa and my brothers Juma and

Ombaye for their unrelenting support and patience through my study period

Acknowledgement

The begin to the end of this study would see no light if not for the helping hand of my

supervisor Mr. Joakim, my fellow course mates and various friends. In that accord I would like

to thank the Almighty God for sturdy health, ability and understanding throughout my academic

life . I am also grateful for my parents for their financial support.

Table of Contents
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Declaration................................................................................................................2
Dedication..................................................................................................................3
CHAPTER ONE........................................................................................................5
INTRODUCTION..................................................................................................5
Introduction.........................................................................................................5
Background of the Study.....................................................................................6
Problem Statement..............................................................................................6
Research Objective..............................................................................................7
Research Questions.............................................................................................8
Significance of the Study....................................................................................9
Scope of the Study............................................................................................11
CHAPTER TWO:....................................................................................................12
2. LITERATURE REVIEW.................................................................................12
2.1 Introduction....................................................................................................12
2.2 Business Climate............................................................................................13
2.3 Youth..............................................................................................................14
2.4 How Youth Relate to Business.......................................................................15
CHAPTER THREE:................................................................................................15
3. RESEARCH AND DESIGN METHODOLOGY............................................15
3.1 Introduction.................................................................................................15
3.2 RESEARCH DESIGN................................................................................16
3.3 POPULATION OF THE STUDY..............................................................16
3.4 SAMPLING SIZE TECHNIQUES.............................................................16
3.5 INSTRUMENTATION...............................................................................17
3.6 ANALYSIS OF THE DATA......................................................................17
3.7 VALIDITY AND RELIABILITY OF RESEARCH INSTRUMENTS.....18
3.8 Ethical Issues...............................................................................................18
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CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Introduction

The world’s economy is critically hinged on business. As such each country on the map

strives to bolster its business prospects be it local or at the international level. It could not get

any clear just how crucial business is as was done by the globally sanctioned lockdowns

thanks to the novel coronavirus. For third world countries like our own, Kenya, it was a kick

in the guts when this happened. Especially for the locals whose livelihood depended on the

small businesses ran on a daily. It became increasingly curious why some regions despite the

embargoes from the lockdown, did better than others. In preparation for future crisis and the

eventual growth and development of the country, there is the increasing need to understand

the business climate of the nation at large. This study explores the reasons behind the adverse

business climate in Nyahururu, a region that should ideally be very productive and boasting

of all kinds of businesses.

Background of the Study

The business climate varies from region to region just as it varies from one nation to the

next at the global stage. For a country that is widely known for its agricultural exports, Kenya

boasts of having regions whose development and growth is hinged solely on farming which

creates employment and cumulatively a conducive business climate in said region.

Unfortunately, the said growth and development is not witnessed in all regions in the

country. At least not all regions that should have the same traits. Regions like Nyahururu
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rank very low in terms of business output and revenue earned, yet it is pristinely located in

one of the country’s agriculturally rich regions, not including the increasing the number of

tertiary educational institutes that provide for an increased demand of services and products.

The aim of this research is to demystify the reasons behind the poor business climate in the

Nyahururu region which penultimately has contributed to the indulgence of crime and

criminal activities among the youth in the said region.

Problem Statement

The relation between business and economy is directly proportional, good business

environment implies a stellar economy. it is no wonder the general standing of Nyahururu is

not that good in matters revenue and income. As whole, the business climate in Nyahururu is

adverse. Unlike the other towns around the Mount Kenya, Nyahururu is ranked low in

growth and development thanks to the poor business climate. It translates to poor revenue

collected which in turn also poor growth and development which in turn completes the circle

of the interdependence between business climate, development and crime. Since the business

climate in the region is poor, there is little growth in Nyahururu which in turn has over the

years compelled the youth to engage in crime and criminal activity.

But what has really contributed to the adverse business climate in the region? With

increasing number of educational outfits, universities and colleges, and decentralization of

resources coupled with the pristine location of Nyahururu, you would not be at fault for

expecting the region to be a bee hive of business and other income related activities,

unfortunately that is not the case and instead there is even a growing number of insecurities

among the youth. Even with such amenities that indirectly increase the demand of services
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and products the region is still not growing. It is about time the reasons were understood in

order to a counteract for the future development and growth of the region. If the aftermath of

the lockdown thanks to the global pandemic is anything to go by, the poor business climate

in Nyahururu should be dealt with.

There are a number of causes of the poor business climate experienced in the region,

from the selfish need to regulate businesses, greed from the authorities, competition

regulating from government and parastatals, mushrooming of similar business to mention a

few. In one way all these factors contribute to the adverse business climate that is Nyahururu,

and though some may have been viewed as coping mechanism at one point, they foster the

adverse climate which suffocates the growth and development of the region.

Research Objective

General Objectives

 To assess the business climate of the Nyahururu region.

 To assess the relation between the business climate of the region and the

crime rates in the region.

 To identify possible cause of the present state of affairs and the impact on the

community and economy.

Specific Objectives

 To identify the impact poor business climate has had on the youth in relation

to crime and criminal activities.

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 To access possible causes of the circumstance at hand that are unique to the

Nyahururu region.

Research Questions

i. What is the business climate of Nyahururu like?

ii. What could be the cause/reason behind the business climate experienced in

the region?

iii. How is the youth population distributed in the region?

iv. Is there any relation between the distribution of the youth in the region and the

business climate?

v. How do the youth in the region contribute to the economy?

vi. What impact has the business climate of the region has on the youth?

Significance of the Study

Thanks to the corona virus pandemic, Kenya and the world at large was shaken in many

ways. The economy was adversely hit by the worldwide lockdown which though partially lifted

in most states around the world, still affects the economy of our country. As such it is imperative

that more studies be done on improving revenue generating sources. Regions like Nyahururu,

Laikipia should be more productive, it invites the need to study the situation surrounding the

business in the region.

Such a study aims to provide insights on what is affecting the business environment of

the Laikipia region negatively and even help come up with suggestions of how to improve the

said business environments. Moreover, the information from this region can be translated into
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other places within the country with the same challenges or even with the Laikipia region as a

case study, other regions with adverse business environments can be improved gradually. It is

essential since by improving a business environment, the country’s economy is set to benefit

from the businesses to be introduced and sustained in the environments.

In addition, with the business environment thriving, the citizens get to grow and develop

as well through taking part in the businesses directly and indirectly. After all, any business

venture requires a number of stake holders, from the business persons, the consumers and even

financiers who benefit by sponsoring the business ventures. By understanding the present state of

the business environment in the region, it makes it possible to come up with counter measures

that would be convincing to other stake holders in the business, thus open up the region to more

business and services.

The study also helps improve the appreciation of the region in matters of suggesting

better ways of coping with the factors contributing to the present state of the business climate of

the region. The biggest challenge any region and venture faces is the inadequacy of information

on how to best use the resources available. And the Nyahururu, Laikipia region is victim of not

having enough studies done on coping and ventures best suited for the environment. Thus, this

study aims to act as a stepping stone to more studies that seek to dissect and explore the business

environment that is Nyahururu and thus cumulatively reduce the crime and criminal activities

that have been on the rise lately.

With factors like the incessant need by specific groups and individuals to regulate

business in the region to the high economy taxes, a study like this acts as an eye opener to the

oppression of the possible small businesses in the region by the powers that be. Such exposure
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invites proactive involvement of the government as well as other governing bodies to help revive

the business in the area by muzzling the oppression from the powers around the region.

As a whole, the study is meant to help understand the reason behind the adverse business

climate in the region which inadvertently has led to the increase in indulgence of crime and

criminal activities among the youth. With a good grasp on the factors behind the state of affairs,

then proper measures can be employed to curb the increasing crime whilst also improving the

business climate which is set to improve the growth and development of the region. It goes

without saying that even the slightest increase in small businesses would definitely increase the

revenue and also the economy of the region which bodes very well for the national GDP.

Scope of the Study

Despite Nyahururu enjoying a pristine geographical positioning in the country, it has very

poor business climate which has led to the region’s youth increasing involvement in crime

and criminal activities. As such the study is aimed at identifying the underlying factors that

have led to the present state of affairs as well as how the business climate affects the

settlement and population of the youth and their indulgence in the vile social acts. Moreover,

there is the exploration of possible ways both the youth and the business climate impact on

each other.

To get adequate information the study will take four to six weeks gathering and collecting

information from the different youth groups in the region for consolidation and reference.

There will be a random sampling of the different economic groups among the youth, from

employed, self-employed to unemployed youth. With their different exposure, there is bound

to be confirmation of the hypothesis and even realization of the objectives.

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It also calls for a focus on the businesses present to understand how they operate within

the stated hypothesis. Understanding the day to day of the businesses of the region opens the

study to explore reasons why there are not so many businesses thriving in the same region.

As well as how the businesses are affected by the crime and how the same businesses affect

the youth.

It would not be much of a study without also exploring the impact legislation has on the

business climate. After all, in the country, the kickback culture has been the death of many

business ventures. To have a clear understanding of the business climate and maybe even

salvage it, then the authorities’ impact on the businesses presents and prospects is vital.

Besides business is dependent on security and the interpretation of law.

A good business environment has a fluidity between the different parties, from the

businesses themselves, the consumers of the products and services, the authority, police and

legislators to the society as a whole. All these parties fall under the scope of the study and

each would be studied for a period of up to three weeks to try and understand how they are

impacted by and how they impact the business climate as hypothesized.

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CHAPTER TWO:

2. LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Introduction

There is a definite relationship between business climate and the indulgence of crime

among a people, not just the youth. Every principality that be all over the world strives to

improve their business climate with the aim of creating more employment opportunities for its

people. in countries and regions where this endeavor is successful, there is little criminal activity

if any, unfortunately the reverse is also true. For the regions that have failed in naturing their

business climate, the criminal rate always seems to be on the rise (Brisman & South, 2014). It is

the case with regions like Nyahururu, among other regions and places in the country. But what

exactly is a business climate, what are the factors surrounding there being such a climate and

how does it relate to the youth. And who are the youth. Very crucial questions that should be

answered for better understanding and solving thereof of the problem at hand. Especially since in

this age of technological advancements and information, a lot of things and their implications

have been taken for granted. Not to mention the different social constructs that people ascribe to

that end up making matters worse. For there to be change and even improvements in the right

direction of any kind, there is need to revise what everyone knows about everything. It would

surprise you that there is always a group of people that just follows blindly. Such sad life.

2.2 Business Climate

Business climate refers to the environment surrounding an industry, group of business

enterprises or any kind of business both economically and professionally. The climate which
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constitutes the environment includes political attitude toward business, financial stability,

support for labor organization to mention a few. All these factors and a host of others have to

converge one way or the other to constitute a proper business climate, without which, the climate

becomes adverse in a number of ways. Just like a big machine, business climate requires that all

its parts and branches work seamlessly for the success of the entire outfit.

In evaluating any business climate, it is fundamental to consider a number of things

including; taxation practices, possible effects of inflation, relationships between the businesses

and participants, relationship between the business outfits and financial institutions, health of the

participants and the political attitudes towards business as a whole (White et al.,2014). For any

region or company for instance to have a good business climate, they have to work for it by

meeting all the required quotas in the various aspects considered in defining the business climate.

It means that the businesses have to keep up with taxes, innovating, create jobs,

compensate the business stake holders and more. These are some of the characteristics of a

fruitful business climate, and lack thereof of these elements could translate to adverse business

climate as witnessed in our case study Nyahururu. It takes a lot of elements coming together to

form a perfect or at the least near perfect business climate. The bottom line being work, a lot of

consistent productivity to reach the traits required for the same.

2.3 Youth

Just like a lot of things today, there is a lot of debate as to who a youth is.

Conventionally, youth is the prime age for growth and development, with ages ranging from

fifteen years to thirty-two, the people within this age range are at their very productive and active
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ages of their lives. And for businesses and enterprises, this is the range for employment for most

of the active-duty positions.

In most countries however, the age for employment varies, thus, in some countries you

may be qualified to be a youth but still not eligible for employment. Since there are countries that

consider the youth age to begin from twelve years while others eighteen, it is not an exact

science terming who a youth is. Regardless, the only common thing is the strength and growing

young minds at their disposal, these resources can be used for good or evil depending on the

resources and programs and plans society has for them (Smart, 2013).

2.4 How Youth Relate to Business

Given their strength and versatility, it is imperative to keep this age set productively

active lest they digress and indulge in social evils with the same energy that would have

otherwise been used for good. It goes without saying that the world over, the countries with

efficient programs for the youth have it better as compared to those that have nothing for the

youths. With a lot of time in their hands and all the energy in the world, it is no wonder in

regions with poor business climate there is always an increase in criminal activities. After all the

youth too need to survive and make a living for themselves one way or the other.

With a productive business climate, the naivety and inexperience of the youth can be

turned into useful resources to help with building an economy for a country. Otherwise, the

reverse could also happen as witnessed in the increasing crime in regions where there is no

mentionable business climate.

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CHAPTER THREE:

3. RESEARCH AND DESIGN METHODOLOGY

3.1 Introduction

Research methodology refers to the approach by which data is extracted to be clearly

understood. Wiersman (1996), states that the development of strategy for conducting research is
the third step after identifying a problem and completion of the literature review. This chapter
will therefore discuss the following: research design, target population, sampling strategy, data
collection instruments and process and analysis of the data. This study will be conducted in
Nakuru County.

3.2 RESEARCH DESIGN

Research design involves the planning, organization, collection and analysis of data so as
to provide answers to questions such as: what techniques will be used to gather data? What
sampling strategies and tools will be used? And how will time and cost constraints be dealt with?
(Leedy, 1993). The researcher proposes to use the descriptive survey design to gather data
relating to the impact of social media among the youth on behavior change, attitude and
perception. A descriptive survey aims at describing the distribution of a phenomenon in a
population and thereby establishing the facts (percentages and frequencies). According to
Saunders et al., (2003) descriptive survey has a broad appeal for planning, monitoring and
evaluating policies. Price, (2001) says that any researcher who adopts the descriptive research
design attempts to produce data that is holistic, contextual, descriptive in depth and rich in detail.

3.3 POPULATION OF THE STUDY

The target population refers to the specific group relevant to a particular study. Mugenda
et al (2003) explain that a population is a group of individuals or objects that have the same form
of characteristics. They are the totality of cases that conform to certain specifications, which
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defines the elements that are included or excluded in the target group. The target population for
this study will be 50 children, 4 selected in each age bracket in Nakuru county, Kenya. The 40
respondents will be offered with questionnaires and the remaining 10 will be interviewed.

3.4 SAMPLING SIZE TECHNIQUES

Sampling the systematic process of selecting a number of individuals for a study to

represent the larger group from which they were selected (Carter(Gay, 2001). The process of
sampling takes in to account various issues and will depend on the organization type, purpose,
complexity, time constraints and previous research in the area. There are two types of sampling
techniques employed by researchers; probability and nonprobability sampling. Probability
sampling is based on the idea that people selected as the sample will be representative of a cross-
section of the population under study. Non-probability sampling is conducted without such
knowledge about whether those included in the sample are representative of the population
(Denscombe, 2003). Therefore, the study proposes to use probability sampling. The selected
process is chiefly random and independent of the person doing the research. This method
produces unbiased estimates with measurable precision that requires relatively little knowledge
about the population. However, due to time and cost constraints, the sample will be purposively
drawn in the urban areas of the Nyahururu.

3.5 INSTRUMENTATION

There are numerous ways of collecting data and these depend on the purpose and aims of
the research. In this study data is collected by means of questionnaires and interviews. Data
collection involves contacting the members of the population that will be sampled in order to
collect the required information about the study (Chakrabarti, 2010). The researcher will be
given a time frame for collection of the data for analysis. I will use the tools listed below. I will
develop this tool and offer them to the Students to respond to.
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3.5.1 Questionnaires

I will develop questions inform of questionnaire to be given to children. The

questionnaire will be administered to 40 children as a sample.

3.5.2 Interviews

I will conduct one on one interviews to 10 children in that they respond in a secret way to
my questions concerning the study problem for confidentiality to be attained for the obtained
information during the study.

3.6 ANALYSIS OF THE DATA

Data analysis consists of the examining, categorizing, tabulating or otherwise

recombining the evidence to address the initial propositions of the study. The data obtained from
the questionnaires are analyzed using a technique called "open coding". This technique involves
a process of breaking down, examining, comparing, conceptualizing and categorizing data
(Leedy, 1993). Therefore, descriptive statistics will be used in analysis of the data and this will
be presented in frequencies and percentages.

3.7 VALIDITY AND RELIABILITY OF RESEARCH INSTRUMENTS

3.7.1: Validity

The validity of research instrument is the extent to which such an instrument is able to
measure what it is supposed to measure. According to Chakrabarti (2010), validity is the
accuracy and meaningfulness of inferences, which are based on the research results. Hence,
validity refers to the degree to which results obtained from the analysis of the data actually
represent the variables under study. In this research, the instruments used will be validated in
terms of content validity. The content related technique will measure the degree to which the
question items reflect the specific areas covered.
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3.7.2: Reliability

According to Abutabenjeh & Jaradat (2018), reliability is the ability of a research

instrument to consistently measure characteristics of interest over time. Hence, reliability is the
degree to which a research instrument yields consistent results or data after repeated trials. To
test the reliability of research instruments used, test and re-test techniques will be used.

3.8 Ethical Issues

The goal of ethics is to ensure that no one is harmed or suffers adverse consequence from
the research activities. Given the often-sensitive relationships between researcher and
respondents, reasonable safeguards will be built in this study based on ethical considerations and
requirements. Therefore, the information that the researcher receives during the period of this
study will be treated in confidence and purely for academic purposes. Names or respondents will
not be used or mentioned in this study
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References

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research methodology: A guide for public administration researchers and

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Comparative Analysis of Young People in the United States and New Zealand

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Brisman, A., & South, N. (2014). Green cultural criminology: Constructions of environmental

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criminology, 18(4), 251-262.
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Smart, C. (2013). Women, Crime and Criminology (Routledge Revivals): A Feminist Critique.

Routledge.

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