Factors influencing stakeholder participation in refugee housing project in Dadaab Kenya

Abstract

The aim of this study was to identify the factors influencing stakeholder participation in refugee housing project in Dadaab. The study sought the influence of host community, funding, Government policy, and security on implementation housing in Dadaab refugee camp. The study adopted a qualitative design and was conducted through systematic random sampling of 63 housing projects out of the population of 633 houses constructed in the first quarter of 2011 with funding from UNHCR. A list of 633 houses was generated including their location and owners from which systematic random sampling was done after every 10 houses. The list was then used in the field to locate the houses during data collection. The data collection method entailed the use of structured questionnaires in which 3 humanitarian aid workers, 6 refugees community leaders, 3 GoK staff and 6 host community leaders involved in the implementation of the refugee housing project were interviewed in addition to the 63 refugee beneficiaries hence 81persons interviewed. It was revealed that the relationship between host community and NGOs implementing refugee housing project is cordial, suspicious and mutually dependant. However 54 of the respondents disagreed with the statement that the relationship between host community and refugee housing project is tense, suspicious and progressive. The study revealed that funding constraints leads to low pay of technical staff causing de-motivation, poor coordination and lack of regular meetings, refugee housing is constrained by inadequate funds and effective monitoring of shelters by refugee incentive staff is hindered by inadequate. Also the GoK regulates refugee housing in Dadaab and decides what technology is applicable, donor funding for refugee housing is dependent on GoK Policies on refugee housing, policy formulation for refugee housing by GoK should include Refugee housing stakeholders in Dadaab, and refugee housing Stakeholders should seek technical inputs of GoK when designing refugee housing. However 8percent of the responses disagreed with the statements. Also the criminal attacks on Aid workers limits participation of NGOs in housing projects, restricted movement and curfews reduces number of stakeholder meetings, kidnapping and carjacking causes fear among suppliers & transporters, and Increasing Police presence in camps will create a sense of security and safety to refugees housing stakeholders However 5 responses disagreed with the recommendations