The Influence of Four Selected Muslim Non-Governmental Organizations on Education and Humanitarian Work in Mandera County, Kenya (1991-2018)

Abstract

This thesis is entitled the influence of four selected Muslim non-governmental organizations on education and humanitarian work in Mandera East Sub-County (MESC), Kenya (1991-2018). The study was specifically aimed at exploring the involvement of Muslim NGOs in education and other humanitarian sectors in MESC, finding out the challenges facing them while carrying out education and other humanitarian activities, and establishing the involvement of the local community in the education and other humanitarian activities. The data of this study was obtained from primary and secondary sources. The study population was 220 participants. 202 beneficiaries of the Muslim NGOs’ activities, 30% from each NGO, were randomly selected from a list given by the Muslim NGOs. The other participants were four representatives of the Muslim NGOs, seven school principals and three elected Members of the County Assembly representing the areas in MESC where the NGOs operate. The study was guided by the Islamic State Welfare Theory and the Alternative Development Theory. The study was also guided by the principle of altruism as championed by the Islamic State Welfare Theory. Alternative development is development from ‘ below’ and below refers to both community and NGOs. The study used purposive sampling method in selecting the representatives of the four Muslim NGOs, the seven school principals and the three MCAs. The data was collected using questionnaires and interviews. SPSS method was used to analyse the questionnaires and coding categories was used to analyse the interviews. The collected data was presented using tables, graphs and figures. The study found out that sponsoring students in secondary schools and provision of relief food are the main activities carried out by the Muslim NGOs in Mandera East Sub-County. However, AMA engages in construction of classrooms and provides other limited facilities to schools such as books and furniture. AMA also engages in construction of wells and dams. Islamic Relief provides healthcare services such as training of medical staff, organizing medical camps, and immunization. The local community is not involved in the design and planning of the projects and selection of the educational beneficiaries of the Muslim NGOs. The Main challenges the NGOs face are lack of funds, insecurity, clanism, government restrictions and overdependence on donor. The study generally found out that few of the Muslim NGOs are engaged in capacity building measures and hence the methods they use in solving the humanitarian and educational needs of the local community lack sustainability.