EFFECT OF RESOURCES ON PROVISION OF HUMANITARIAN SERVICES BY NGOS IN TURKANA, KENYA
EFFECT OF RESOURCES ON PROVISION OF HUMANITARIAN SERVICES BY NGOS IN TURKANA, KENYA
Patrick Napion Ewoton - Master Degree in Public Administration and Policy Formulation, Turkana University College, Kenya
Prof. George Muthaa - Lecturer, Turkana University College, Kenya
Prof. Tom Nyamache - Lecturer, Turkana University College, Kenya
ABSTRACT
Non-Governmental organizations are initiated to support provision of humanitarian services. Turkana County is among the semi-arid regions of Kenya with the provision of humanitarian needs which has attracted many Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) over the years. Despite the NGOs implementing community development initiatives in Turkana, the area still experiences persistent dire need of humanitarian services. These needs are attributed to various factors that affect their operations and sustainability of programmes. There is, however, lack of empirical data to substantiate these socio-economic factors specifically in Turkana County. The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of resources on provision of humanitarian services by NGOs in Turkana, Kenya. Correlation research design was used in this study in order to attain the study objectives. The Correlation research design makes it possible to concurrently measure a large number of variables and their interrelationships. The population of the study was subject to two Sub Counties, that is, Turkana Central (Lodwar town) with a population of 185,305 and Turkana West (Kakuma) with a population of 239,627 totaling to 424,932. A sample of 384 was selected and participants were picked using stratified random sampling. Primary data was collected using structured questionnaires. To ensure content validity the questionnaire was checked by the supervisors who are experts in research. To ensure reliability Cronbach Alpha technique was used to assess the consistency of data. Both quantitative and qualitative data analysis was used. Descriptive statistics was analyzed using mean, standard deviation, tables, percentages and figures to summarize data. For qualitative data, content analysis was used where data was organized in common themes. Inferential data analysis was done by the use of regression model to determine the strength of the relationship between the dependent variable and the independent variable. The research findings show that resources affect the provision of humanitarian services by non-governmental organizations in Turkana, Kenya positively and significantly (β=0.399, p-value=0.001<0.05). From the findings, the research concluded that resources are key in the provision of humanitarian services. Both monitory and manpower resources are needed coupled with well-functioning infrastructure in order to address the needs of the Turkana residents. Financing has been the hindrance to most of the NGOs in attending to emergencies and further hinders the NGOs in recruiting and maintaining manpower needed to enhance the provision of humanitarian services. From the findings, the study recommends that humanitarian organizations should attract more funding in order to widely and effectively engage in uplifting the Turkana dwellers. The availability of sufficient funds is essential because it will enable humanitarian organizations effectively service delivery to the affected communities. The study was beneficial to the following stakeholders; policy makers, community and future researchers among others.
