THE ROLE OF NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS IN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT; A CASE STUDY OF PLAN INTERNATIONAL THARAKA CONSTITUENCY

Abstract

The global stage has witnessed controversy about the role of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in community development Their actions have come under much scrutiny and their role as promoters of good causes in the society called into question on several accounts. Sharp focus has been on the NGOs performances, actual effectiveness, accountability issues, autonomy, commercialization and ideological inclinations during the course of their work. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether or not NGOs are functionally important in promoting human progress and community development at the grass root level. The specific objectives included: To assess whether or not NGOs are accountable, transparent and adequately represent the development aspiration of the community they target and to investigate whether or not NGOs over reliance on donor funding compromises the choice of the projects at expense of the target communities thus compromising their autonomy in service delivery. This research used two theories as its guiding principle; participatory theory and Neo-liberalism theory. This study assessed the following hypotheses: NGOs contribute to human progress/development in social-economic terms and the more accountable, transparent and consultative NGOs, the more their projects contribute positively to changing the lives of people. Primary data was collected through interviews and observations. Secondary data was collected through evaluation of some reports of the projects plan international Kenya, books, journals, articles, newspapers, and research reports. Internet, too, played key role as the source of secondary data. Primary data was collected using questionnaires which was administered to respondents who included Plan International project officials and key representatives of communities especially in Tharaka Nithi. Observation method was also be used in study the on-going projects. From the findings, due to the fact that NGOs are undercapitalized, they are very susceptible to donor pressure with their financial survival putting them at mission drift and assuming service responsibilities which may not be in the long-term interest of the organization or the community. The study concluded that improvement in plan international issues mentioned in the study given the increasing call for and the enforcement of participation in NGO (plan international) activities, whereby communities play a role and also, a sustainable aspect being added to most NGO projects. The study recommends that if NGOs declare to represent their target groups, there should be a close relationship with these groups, including feedback and participation. Donors should be involved completely in Goals empowerment and participation which will lead to accountability.