Determinants of Sustainability of Development Projects Initiated by Non-governmental Organizations in Kericho County, Kenya

Abstract

Sustainable funding has helped many Non-Governmental Organizations implement diverse programmatic interventions which has not only benefited the communities but has also improved the standard of living. However, tough economic times buoyed by global recession have in one way or another affected global funding. Many Non-Governmental Organizations continue to cease operations day by day often due to lack of sustainable funding. The purpose of the study was to examine the extent to which income diversification, strategic financial management and Donor Relationship influences sustainability of development projects initiated by Non-Governmental Organizations in Kenya with specific reference to Kericho County. Descriptive research design was adopted with target population of 215 staff from the organizations and a sample of 108. The study revealed that donor relationship management contributes significantly to financial sustainability of nongovernmental projects followed by strategic financial management and least income diversification. The study recommends that in order to ensure that the projects remain sustainable; they should employ competent staff in strategic planning, plan implementation and financial analysis. The NGO management should also diversify their income sources and maintain a good relationship with their donors through information management, accountability and meaningful communication. The outcome of this research will help in generating new additional knowledge based on empirical evidence to guide Non-Governmental Organizations to realize the goal of financial sustainability