Factors Influencing Performance of Children Homes and Rehabilitation Centers within Nakuru Municipality and its Environs, Kenya

Abstract

The street children phenomenon in Kenya has long been regarded a perennial problem of the urban areas of the country and often viewed with disdain by most people in the society due to the menacing behavior of the children. This study investigated the factors influencing performance of street children rehabilitation centers in Kenya and was conducted among children homes in Nakuru municipality. The objectives of the study were: to establish the effect of government policies & regulations on street children rehabilitation projects performance; to evaluate the extent of the effect of financial resources on street children rehabilitation projects performance in and to assess the importance of the managerial skills on street children rehabilitation projects performance. This was a descriptive survey research, targeting two of the senior most rehabilitation managers in the 38 street children rehabilitation centers within Nakuru Municipality bringing the estimated population to 60 respondents. Data was collected through semi structured questionnaires. The instruments were pilot tested before the actual study to ascertain the validity and reliability. The data analysis done using Excel and results were presented in tables. Findings on the objectives revealed high levels of familiarity with the government policies and regulations although compliance rate was still average due to the nature of the regulations which presented a limiting work environment. The level of funding was adequate in most cases, funding allocation prioritized on food, education and medical care. Budget deficits were mainly offset by faming and fundraising. Financial control systems in place were reported as reliable, thus, properly positioning the Homes for better growth prospects. Most of the managers had formal managerial training with project management being the most subscribed course. Strategic planning was practiced in most institutions although the concepts and methods of strategic planning still wanting in some cases. The communities were generally appreciative of the presence of the homes as reform institutions in their neighborhoods. Fewer complaints and many were compliments given to the Homes due to the perceived nobility of the projects. Less material support was available due to misinformation about the nature of the projects. There is need for more consultative engagement among all stakeholders in entrenching the rights and welfare of the abandoned and orphaned children in all legal documents both locally and internationally. This will go a long way in ensuring the wellbeing of these children and make them better citizens of the world tomorrow.