Factors influencing application of child right to participation in decision making: the case of selected charitable children institutions in Juja constituency, Kiambu county, Kenya.

Abstract

Child participation is a process of child development that provides an opportunity for children to be involved in decision making on matters affecting their lives and influence change. It is an essential principle that cuts across all programmes and takes place at all levels ranging from home to, international levels. The objective of this study is to investigate how organizational commitment, staff capacity and children empowerment influence application of child right to participation in 6 charitable children institutions in Juja constituency, Kiambu County Kenya. The study has used descriptive survey design. Data was collected using self-administered questionnaires on 18 members of staff and 6 managers, while an interview guide is used to collect data from 47 children aged 13 to 18 years from the selected six charitable children institutions. Simple random sampling with replacement was used to select a sample of 6 charitable children institutions out of existing 31. Stratified random technique is used to select samples of managers, staff and children. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software is used for analyzing the collected data. The study found that (100%) managers of the CCIs have provided policies, procedures, resource materials and child friendly environment to enhance child participation, an indication of commitment. However, implementation of these structures according to the set standards is minimal. Although (83.4%) staff has benefited in child participation training processes (89%) had challenges in application. Staff (94.4%) agreed to the notion that children have a right to self -expression and determination but their attitude towards them remained negative. They (100%) agreed to the notion that children should not be involved in all matters concerning their lives because they are immature, lack knowledge and if allowed to participate would be uncontrollable. Children (70.2%) reports complain to the staff and management that listen and sometimes take no action. The children are not adequately empowered as (46.8%) have not received training on child rights. Furthermore, they are not aware of the tools and documents guiding their participation as expected. They also have negative self-image as (48.9%) agreed to the notion that children are immature, lack knowledge and if allowed to participate in decisions affecting their lives would be uncontrollable. Although staff claimed to have had involved children in vital decisions concerning their lives, children are of contrary view as (68.8%) felt they are rarely involved. children acknowledged to have had problems in the CCIs which were reported to the staff, but according to (32%) preferred keeping silent and running away or praying when in problems. The study concludes that, training given to staff of the ICCs on the need for the children to participate in decision making is inadequate. These coupled with the staff’s negative attitude and the children’s lack of empowerment on their rights, made children participation on issues affecting their lives minimal. The study recommends development of a training curriculum by the government for manager’s, staff and children that will help adults fulfill children’s rights and children realize their rights. Timely monitoring of activities of the CCIs, existence of relevant policy guidelines, procedures and their implementation as required is recommended to NCCS. The study also recommends mobilization of resources for child participation activities and promotion of participatory culture across the board to the management. The study further recommends assessment of the levels of child participation in the CCIs with an objective of identifying how children are involved in decision making processes. Assessment of approaches to child participation and documentation of the best approach together with assessment of culture as a factor influencing application of child right to participation are recommended as areas for further study.