Abstract
This article explores how knowledge sharing cultivates an entrepreneurial culture among Kenya’s youth, focusing on its impact on business sustainability, growth, and innovation within this demographic. With youth unemployment remaining a major challenge, fostering entrepreneurship is crucial for Kenya’s economic development. Knowledge sharing among young entrepreneurs has emerged as a key element for improving business competencies, resilience, and adaptability, allowing entrepreneurs to benefit from collective insights, problem-solving strategies, and innovative ideas essential for navigating complex market environments. The study uses a qualitative approach, employing interviews and focus groups to gain in-depth insights into the experiences of youth entrepreneurs in Kenya. The findings reveal that effective knowledge sharing among young entrepreneurs bolsters their business agility, fuels innovation, and creates a supportive network for knowledge exchange, which enhances collaboration and mutual growth. Essential factors identified include trust, social networks, and supportive leadership, all of which create a foundation for productive knowledge-sharing practices. However, significant challenges hinder these practices, including limited access to digital platforms, inadequate infrastructure, and a lack of training that leaves many entrepreneurs without the digital literacy needed to benefit fully from knowledge-sharing mechanisms. The study concludes that knowledge sharing is vital for fostering an entrepreneurial culture among Kenyan youth by promoting innovation, resilience, and a sustainable business environment. Enhancing trust, leadership support, and social networks while addressing barriers like limited digital access can help create a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem that drives economic growth and stability. The article underscores the importance of establishing structured knowledge-based initiatives, fostering an enabling environment, and providing access to digital resources. By addressing these gaps, stakeholders - including the government and private sector - can promote a resilient, knowledge-based entrepreneurial culture that supports sustainable economic opportunities for Kenya’s youth.
Keywords: Knowledge Sharing, Youth Entrepreneurs, SMEs, Entrepreneurial Culture
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