The Influence of Four Selected Muslim Non-Governmental Organizations on Education and Humanitarian Work in Mandera County, Kenya (1991-2018)
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Date
2020
Authors
Kosar, Roble Oyow
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kenyatta University
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.
Description
A Research Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of
the Requirements for the Award of the Degree of
Master of Arts in Religious Studies, School of
Humanities and Social Sciences,
Kenyatta University
Keywords
Muslim Non-Governmental Organizations, Humanitarian Work, Mandera County, Muslim NGOs, Islamic State Welfare Theory, Alternative Development Theory