Factors Affecting Effective Implementation of Street Children Projects in Kenya: A Case of Nanyuki Municipality

Abstract

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.