Matheka,Denis Kioko2024-09-092024-09-092023-10https://ir-library.ku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/28728A Research Proposal Submitted to the School of Law, Arts and Social Sciences in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Award of the Degree of Master of Arts in Public Policy and Administration of Kenyatta University October 2023 Supervisor Muna Wilson KamauThe study investigated the progress of commitments made under the Charter for Change (C4C) in Kenya, focusing on aid localization. This initiative aimed to ensure more leadership, representation, and participation of local and national actors in humanitarian coordination and decision-making. The study used Aldrich's resource dependence model and conducted a census of C4C signatories and endorsers in Kenya, with a 52% response rate. Regarding funding, 43% of endorsers reported that funds from international NGOs (INGOs) were consistently disbursed on time, while 58% noted occasional delays or lack of appropriateness in disbursement. Capacity strengthening initiatives were participated in by 71.4% of local non-governmental organizations (LNNGOs) with support from INGOs, focusing on areas like strategic planning and resource mobilization. In terms of partnerships, 42.9% of LNNGOs reported having collaborative partnerships with INGOs, and 50% had inclusive partnerships. However, none reported having accountable partnerships. The study concluded that funding models, capacity strengthening, and partnership relations significantly impact aid localization in Kenya. LNNGOs have begun long-term resource mobilization strategies to complement INGO support. Capacity strengthening efforts between LNNGOs and INGOs were found to influence aid localization. LNNGOs with particular strengths have supported other organizations in areas such as advocacy and governance. Transparent, results-oriented, and equitable partnerships were identified as essential for aid localization, with a majority of LNNGOs having inclusive partnerships with INGOs. Recommendations included resourcing C4C Kenyan Chapter operations by INGOs, adopting localized capacity strengthening approaches, and fostering peer-to-peer capacity strengthening among local actors. Growing C4C membership in Kenya through community-focused communication and highlighting benefits of C4C membership was suggested. Decentralizing C4C decision-making through a regional delegate system was proposed to ensure participatory governance. Equitable, accountable, and principled partnerships between local and national NGOs and INGOs were emphasized to support aid localization effectively.enThesis