Private sector engagement in humanitarian aid projects in Kenya

Abstract

Private sector engagement in humanitarian aid projects during disasters is critical to response and saving lives. Consequently, they are key players in the humanitarian field as many organizations in disaster relief sought their goods and services in efforts to be effective in their response. Consequently, it is important to create collaborations so as to continue responding to the global frequent and complex disasters. In Kenya, humanitarian crises have occurred in the form of recurrent drought, floods, malnutrition and food security, disease outbreak, post election violence; resource based inter-communal conflicts as well as terror attacks. The objective of this study was to examine private sector engagement and the implementation of humanitarian aid projects. The study focused on for areas where private sector offer services; logistics, technology and finance.  The paradigm guiding the study was pragmatism and the study employed a cross sectional-survey design. The sample was drawn from NGOs in disaster relief programmes using both probability and non-probability sampling technique. Primary data was collected using self administered questionnaires, Key Informant Interview and Focus Group Discussions Guides. Questionnaires issued were 117 out of these, 85 which is 72.6% were returned for analysis. The data was analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. For descriptive analysis, mean, percentages and frequencies were used. For inferential analysis, correlations and regressions were used. For p<0.05, H₀ was rejected and H₁ accepted. For the strength of the relationships, r values were considered where: +0.10< r <+0.29; weak correlation +0.30< r <+0.49; moderate correlation +0.5 < r <+1.0; Strong correlation. According to the study findings, private sector engagement influences on implementation of humanitarian aid projects in Kenya. The study concludes that private sector engagement is critical in implementation of humanitarian aid projects and there is need to put more emphasis on collaboration.  The study recommended that there is need for Organizations in disaster relief to adopt more areas of expertise from the private sector for better implementation.