Factors Shaping the Effectiveness of Non-Governmental Organisation Interventions in Muringato Informal Settlement, Nyeri County, Kenya

Abstract
The effectiveness of the interventions by NGOs in informal settlements is an issue in development that requires consideration especially in areas where the economic situation is dire despite continuous intervention. The current study looked at the determinants of effectiveness of NGO interventions in Muringato informal settlement in Nyeri County, Kenya. The study had three research objectives. They were; to determine the effectiveness of the chosen NGO programmes/services; to investigate how community participation affects the effectiveness of NGO interventions; and to determine the structure constraints for NGO interventions. The case study approach was used. The sample size for the study consisted of 30 participants and was selected using purposive sampling. These included representatives from NGOs, community leaders, project beneficiaries and religious leaders. Data collection was done using in-depth semi-structured interviews and a focus group discussion. Thematic data analysis was performed using the help of QSR NVivo 11. The study found out that the interventions by NGOs in health, education and livelihood improvement had increased access to the chosen services. However, the success of these programmes was hindered by constraints arising from resource inadequacy, inconsistent programme coverage and focus on the short-term and infrastructure outputs. Community participation was consultative in that the communities were only consulted for programme needs assessment and implementation, but had little say in the design and decision-making of the programme. Poverty, unemployment, lack of secure land tenure and poor infrastructure were some of the structural constraints identified as limiting NGO intervention programmes. The study finds out that NGO intervention programmes in Muringato were affected by the relationship between the programme implementation process, community participation and the overall structural constraints.
Keywords: NGO effectiveness, informal settlements, community participation, structural constraints, sustainable development.

NGO effectiveness, informal settlements, community participation, structural constraints, sustainable development.

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