Influence Of Stakeholders Involvement On Performance Of Community Based Organizations On Implementation Of Orphaned And Vulnerable Children Projects In Samburu Central Sub-County, Kenya.

Abstract

Challenges associated with the care of orphans and vulnerable children are still evident in Sub-Saharan Africa. This is so even with the existence of non-profit organizations such as community based organizations (CBOs), non-government organizations (NGOs) and Faith Based Organizations. These organizations receive funding from international funding agencies in order to implement orphans and vulnerable children’s OVCs’ projects. The success of these projects and in particular those that are implemented by CBOs are however influenced by a multiplicity of factors key among them being the involvement of stakeholders. This study investigated the influence of stakeholder involvement on the performance of community based organizations (CBOs) implementing orphans and vulnerable children’s (OVC) projects in Samburu Central Sub County. The study investigated the influence of; community involvement, donor funding, government involvement and other service providers on the performance of CBOs implementing OVC projects in Samburu Central Sub County. The study was hinged on two theories; Resource Dependence theory and Stakeholders’ Theory. The study employed descriptive survey research design. The target population comprised 136 CBOs’ officials, 46 Heads of Institutions and 13 government children officers. Total population is 195 and the sample was composed of 93 officials from CBOs operating in the Sub County, 24 heads of Institutions and 13 government children officers who were selected to participate in the study. Stratified and random sampling was used to pick the respondents. Questionnaires were used to collect data from CBO’s officials and the heads of institutions while an interview guide was used to collect data from government’s children officers in the Sub County. Data was analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively using SPSS version 21.0. 100% of the respondents were of opinion that lack of community involvement on implementation of OVC project negatively influenced implementation of the projects. Local community involvement in formulation of the strategies in the strategic plans provides invaluable support during the implementation of the CBO’s OVC projects. It was found out that 82.3% of the respondents indicated that CBOs faced challenges in raising funds to implement OVC projects while 17.7 indicated otherwise. 48% relied on international donor funding, 26.6 from national government and 16.6 raised funds from members. Most OVCs’ projects are highly dependent on external donor funding. 100% of the respondents agreed that government support influences implementation of OVC projects. Government support is necessary to carry out necessary legal reforms and to enforce existing mandates concerning property rights. 86.1% agreed that the CBO worked in partnership with NGOs in the process of implementing OVC projects whereas 13.9% of the respondents were of the contrary opinion. This implies most of the CBO worked in partnership with NGOs In the process of implementing OVC projects which enhanced quality of services provided. The study recommends for strengthened partnerships with government departments such that they can be relied upon to assist OVC programs consistently when needed, expand efforts to mobilize communities and private businesses to support OVC interventions. Coordinated collaboration and networking of OVC programs by CBOs, government, FBOs and civil society Organizations to benchmark for quality child-care provision should be enhanced. Focus on building the economic base of the OVC households is paramount. Policy and legislative reforms are key to sustainable protection, provision of equal prioritization of social economic rights and access justice in Samburu Central sub-county.