Exploring the impact of online food shopping and e-commerce education on the income of youths in Nairobi County, Kenya

Abstract

Unemployment among youths in Nairobi County, Kenya, has significantly impacted their income, posing a critical societal challenge. This study investigated the potential of e-commerce—specifically digital food delivery, online retail, and virtual education—to enhance the economic status of this demographic. Utilizing a sample of 330 youths from Nairobi County, the study aimed to assess the effect of e-commerce usage on income levels, examine the challenges associated with generating income through e-commerce, investigate the relationship between e-commerce and youths' income, and evaluate stakeholders' perceptions of e-commerce and youths' income. Grounded in Social Exchange Theory and Diffusion of Innovation Theory, the research adopted a positivist philosophy and a quantitative approach. Data were collected from 330 respondents through structured questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS version 23, covering the period from March to May 2024. The findings revealed that while online digital food delivery, online shopping, and online education platforms were increasingly utilized, they showed no significant impact on the income of Nairobi's youths. Employment status was identified as having a significant positive effect on youth income. Despite new income-generating opportunities through e-commerce, the study highlighted that simply adopting these platforms without addressing underlying issues such as digital literacy disparities and economic barriers was not sufficient to improve income levels. Ethical considerations were prioritized to ensure informed consent, confidentiality, and secure data handling. These insights aimed to offer a comprehensive understanding of e-commerce's role in addressing the economic challenges faced by Nairobi's youths and suggested that multi-faceted strategies were necessary for meaningful impact.

Keywords: Ecommerce, Income, Youths, Nairobi County