Factors Affecting Effective Implementation of Street Children Projects in Kenya: A Case of Nanyuki Municipality
Résumé
In Kenya the phenomenon of street children is a major human developmental problem.
Government institutions such as the directorate of children's services in the ministry of
gender and social services have been involved with programs targeting the street
children. Undugu society, a Non - governmental organization established by Arnold in
1973 is arguably the most well established institution that Endeavors to address the plight
of street children through non formal education and training. In Nanyuki municipality the
children's department in the ministry of gender and social services, the social services
department of the municipal council, Non - governmental organizations, faith based
organizations and individuals have all been involved in running programs either
separately or collaboratively with the objective of reducing the number of street children
and street families from the streets. However the increasing number of these children in
urban areas of major towns of Kenya including Nanyuki is an indication that
implementations of these interventions face some serious challenges. This study aimed at
gaining an in-depth understanding of factors affecting effective implementation of street
children projects in Nanyuki Municipality Kenya. Specifically the study sought to
determine the effect of community participation on street children projects
implementation; establish the effect of government monitoring of individuals and
organizations involved in street children rehabilitation projects; determine the extent to
which adequate training of street children caretakers affect street children projects
implementation and assess the effects of financing on street children's projects
implementation. This study employed a descriptive survey design. The target population
consisted of all individuals dealing with children welfare activities within Nanyuki
municipality. This includes members of the District Advisory Council, administrators and
staff of the five charitable institutions within the municipality. A census was carried out
in all the above institutions so as to collect both quantitative and qualitative data. The
research instruments were questionnaires. The data collected was analysed using
descriptive statistics. The research revealed that community participation was not
adequate at all levels of project implementation. The level of training on project
management skills among the project staff was also inadequate and this affected the
quality of performance especially in monitoring and evaluation. The government input in
monitoring and evaluation was found to be inadequate as well as the level of financing.
Recommendations and suggestions for further study have been outlined in chapter five.