The social and economic contributions of the united nations system in kenya

Abstract

This project examines the social and economic contributions of the UN system in Kenya since independence. The focus of the study is on the agency specific contributions towards social and economic development. These contributions have been handled under three broad categories of the UN system in Kenya, that is, the UN Development Group, other UN Funds and Programmes, and the UN Specialised agencies in Kenya. The UNDP, which is the operational arm of the UN to serve the interests of the entire system, is examined in detail in an attempt to determine the link between development theory and experience to its practice in Kenya. This study builds on the premise that there should exist a systematic and comprehensive documentation of the UN practice in Kenya. The following were the study objectives: (1) to identify the UN system in Kenya's contribution to social and economic development since independence, (2) to investigate the extent to which development theory informs the practice of the UNDP in Kenya and, (3) to assess the extent to which experience has informed the practice of the UNDP in Kenya towards social and economic development since independence. The UN agencies in Kenya play an important role in promoting social and economic development of the country with the UN Bevelopmcnt Group being the lead category in

the fulfilment of the UN mission in Kenya. This mission s to improve the quality of life and well being of the population by reducing poverty, with particular focus on the most vulnerable groups and regions, and the progressive fulfilment of rights for women and children. The analysis of the UNDP projects and programmes reveals the fact that its practice has most a times been informed by the existing development theories in a particular era. On the other hand, the UNDP practice is influenced by experiences. Experiences refers to the knowledge/skills held by its staff from previous employment/exposures, occurrences in the country as implied by the existing government policy documents, and top issues on

the international agendas. The government policy documents are as a result of the occurrences both in the country and in the international development trends. This shows the usefulness of the UN system to the Kenyan economy in development issues and the fact that it does not just act on its own but that its decisions are informed by development dogmas, experiences of the people it works with and the country it operates within. However the UN system in Kenya has failed to systematically document its social and economic contributions in Kenya. It is vital to consider keeping written comprehensive stories of each agency's contribution to development in the country. These will assist researchers, new UN staff, the government, and other stakeholders to appreciate the contributions of the organisation in the country and access relevant information easily about the UN system in Kenya. Information on the influence of development theory and experience is relevant in an attempt to assess issues that influence the UN system in Kenya in its decision making process. The study recommends all the stakeholders to participate in the development efforts of the country and not just to leave everything to the government, this includes individuals and other organisations in Kenya. These efforts should be directed to addressing the situation in Kenya and be a function of the relevant experiences of the agents of development and the host country. - '"