Influence Of Development Committees On Implementation Of Church-Based Children’s Home Projects: A Case Of Mother Mercy Home In Kiambaa Sub-County, Kiambu County, Kenya

Abstract

The fundamental role of development committees on implementation of any community project is to ensure that projects are sustainable and meet the aspirations of the target group as satisfactorily as possible. Regarding the church-based children home projects, the committees have even a bigger role of protecting the image of the church as they discharge their duties. Over the years, the number of homeless children keeps on rising in Kenya, often due to the death of their parents or following domestic issues. The church is one of the most common local institutions that tend to run Children Homes to cater for the needs of the children with no stable living environment. Yet, statistics show that church-based projects continue to face several unique challenges. The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of development committees on implementation of church-based Children Home projects: a case of Mother Mercy Home in Kiambaa sub-county. Specifically, the study focused on determining how resource mobilization, expert involvement, transparency and accountability, and leadership competencies as functions of development committees influence successful implementation of church-based Children Home projects in Kiambaa Sub County in Kiambu County, taking Mother Mercy Children Home as a case study. The study was guided by Resource Mobilization Theory and Resource Based Theory and used descriptive research design where, through census, all 38 committee members of Mother Mercy Children Home were involved. Quantitative and qualitative primary data was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire which was administered through self-administered interviews. Quantitative data analysis was done using descriptive data analysis techniques with the help of SPSS computer software while qualitative data was analyzed using thematic content analysis technique. Based on the data analysis, each of the four independent variables including resource mobilization, expert involvement, transparency and accountability, and leadership competencies had a significant influence on implementation of Mother Mercy Children Home projects. Thirty seven percent (11) of the respondents agreed and 43% (13) strongly agreed that there was resource mobilization by the committee for the running of the Children Home. These had a mean of 12.6 and 9.8 respectively while the standard deviation was 2.8 and 1.9 in that order. Similarly, 83% of the respondents agreed that expert opinion and technical advice were often sought on important decisions regarding the Home’s programmes, with a mean of 15.6 and std. dev. of 1.9. Transparency and accountability was also imperative in the implementation of Mother Mercy Children Home, with a mean of 13.6. Leadership competencies were also a critical aspect in the management of Mother Mercy Children Home projects, with a mean of 14.4. Generally, the study established that despite some challenges, resource mobilization, expert involvement, transparency and accountability, and leadership competencies as functions of development committees influence successful implementation of church-based of the Mother Mercy Children Home. The study concluded that there was room for improvement on all the four independent variables for better outcomes. The study gave the following recommendations: there was need for resource mobilization, expert involvement, transparency and accountability, and leadership competencies to be addressed from a holistic angle where external input was also encouraged to inject fresh ideas on the best course of action. That means that the committee members should be ready to solicit expert opinions from other professionals rather than only focusing inwardly.