Post Covid-19 Funding Resilience in Kenya Among Local Nongovernmental Organisation: a Case Study of Weworld Kenya Foundation

Abstract

In the global landscape, ensuring funding resilience becomes paramount for businesses to thrive. The disruptive force of the COVID-19 pandemic has subjected businesses to significant upheaval, inducing transformative changes that have led to setbacks and an uncertain path forward. The research methodology involved in-depth interviews with key personnel across various departments, including the Desk Officer for Africa, the Regional Manager for Eastern Africa, the Regional Finance and Administration Manager, Program Managers overseeing Education and Child Protection, WASH, Health, and Nutrition. Insights were also garnered from the Country Representative for Kenya. The study focused on assessing post-COVID-19 funding resilience in Kenya, specifically within the context of a local non-governmental organization: a case study of WeWorld Kenya Foundation. The findings serve as a robust foundation for shaping recommendations aimed at bolstering organizational resilience across diverse dimensions. Primarily, operational resilience can be strengthened by organizations through strategic investments in digitalization, encompassing secure virtual working platforms and streamlined procurement services. Prioritizing technology to minimize physical contacts, integrating smart devices for COVID-19 mitigation, and establishing a comprehensive staff care and psychosocial support team are pivotal measures for fostering a resilient and adaptive workforce. Financial resilience emerges as a cornerstone for organizational triumph, particularly in times of crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Transparent financial strategies, rooted in accountability and adherence to holistic standards, instill donor confidence. Proactive approaches, such as long-term financial planning, phased implementations, and regular reviews of robust financial procedures, contribute to sustained campaigns against crises and facilitate the successful activation of emergent plans. Transformational resilience, critical for navigating challenges, involves technological advancements, fundraising initiatives, and operational adjustments. Aligning with global and governmental protocols, emphasizing technology for minimizing physical contacts, and actively engaging local and international donors for concrete solutions showcase the significance of innovation and creativity in achieving economic and social transformation. Institutional structure and agility resilience emphasize strategic planning and operational adjustments, urging organizations to develop adaptive plans, disseminate information effectively, and monitor progress in real-time. Transparency, inclusivity in reporting progress to donors through virtual means, and fostering collaboration internally and externally contribute to agility resilience, allowing organizations to navigate challenges effectively and maintain a robust infrastructure for seamless operations. The study proposes numerous avenues for extended research within the organizational resilience domain. A comparative analysis across entities, particularly non-governmental organizations (NGOs), holds potential for providing insights into the effectiveness of diverse resilience strategies. Scrutinizing various organizational structures, sizes, and focus areas can facilitate the development of tailored frameworks for fortifying resilience.