Performance of Non- Governmental Organizations’ Development Programs in Kericho County- a Case Study of Sere Africa International (Sai)

Abstract

NGOs contribute significantly to poverty reduction and the provision for economic empowerment. The NGO sector provides employment for over 200,000 people in Kenya thus raising their living standards. NGOs have operated in the country since before independence as either social organizations, CBOs, church based voluntary organizations and many more. They have served in providing support for the less fortunate people or in emergency situations in the country where the government couldn’t cover. This study focused on the performance of NGOs in promoting sustainable development in Kericho County. The study examined the role SAI was playing in Kericho County. The study assessed SAI’s level of performance, examined its characteristics, its interventions strategies, its support to CBOs and its approach in regard to people’s participation. Comprehensive literature review was done to gather information on the role of NGOs in poverty reduction and sustainable development from previous studies. NGOs, generally aimed at; fostering people’s self reliance; developing human resources, including local leadership and organizations; developing the quality of life of the people; increasing local people’s incomes; and increasing productivity. Purposive sampling technique was used in the choice of Kericho County, and applied to Belgut and Soin/Sigowet sub-counties as areas of study, as well as in the choice of SAI as the case study NGO. Four (4) CBOs were sampled. Three leaders of SAI secretariat and ten leaders from the four CBOs were purposively sampled as Key Informants. In addition 24 members of the CBOs who had benefitted from their projects were sampled. The study found that beneficiaries were involved in the NGO projects mainly through their resource contributions. Their participation was found to have helped in creation of local capacity. The survey data also showed that SAI was making considerable contributions in training and educating its project beneficiaries. The presence of CBOs was important for SAI and the community members. Existing local institutions were noted to be providing appropriate entry points for NGOs interventions at the grassroots. We found that the NGO projects had contributed to poverty reduction among the beneficiaries in Kericho County. Based on the findings of the study, SAI’s vision, mission, goals, strategic plan showed that where there is a good lay out plan for NGO’s engagement in community work, it will likely bring positive impact to the community. This is an example other NGOs must emulate so as to get better results in their development programs. SAI’s interventions were seen by the CBOs and beneficiaries to have made a positive impact in the community. The relevant County and National ministries involved in community development should come up with interventions that should integrate the activities of NGOs like SAI since they play an important role in community development. Integrated interventions like giving some expert training in various fields and help in the implementation of the needed projects will finally reduce the poverty levels. SAI working through CBOs brought positive impact to its projects at community level. There is need for other NGOs, National and County governments to equally work with community organizations like CBOs for better impact of their projects or programs. SAI encouraged community members to participate in its projects through CBOs and spend considerable amount of money to support the projects. There is need for other NGOs, National and County Governments to learn from this strategy with a view to strengthening community participation.