Factors that influence success of social enterprises in Nairobi city county: a case study of Bridge International Academies

Abstract

The objectives of the study were to determine the key drivers of social enterprises in Bridge International Academies; to determine the challenges they face, and to establish the key success factors of Bridge International Academies. The target population of the study comprised all employees of the 30 Bridge International Academies in Nairobi City County. A sample of 42 respondents had been selected out of which 36 responded giving a response rate of 85.7%. A case study research design was used in this study since the subject of the study was one organization. Primary data was collected for the study using interview guides. The results of the study indicated that the locations of Bridge International Academies, availability of funds, the funding decision-making process, leadership structures, relationship between academy management and the community and government support were the main factors influencing success of Bridge International Schools. Staff training and environmental factors such as availability of social amenities were other factors that were found to influence success of the academies though not to a large extent. The study suggested that more research into the topic on factors influencing success of Bridge International Academies should be done in other areas in Kenya. This study concentrated on Nairobi County and thus its findings cannot be generalized to other areas without further research. Further research also needs to be done on other complimentary schools to confirm whether their success is influenced by the same factors. The study recommends the development of governance frameworks and leadership structures in social enterprises, the support of social enterprises such as Bridge International Academies from the government through provision of infrastructure as well as from people of goodwill through donations.