Abstract
While Kenyans have witnessed an increased and enlarged presence of INGOs in their country over the last few decades, the much sort-after development and accompanying human security goals still remain a distant mirage. This study, therefore, set out to establish what accounts for the seeming incapacity of these INGOs to play their widely expected and perceived role of Human Security. The study paid specific reference to Kakamega County, Kenya. The research was guided by the following specific objectives: firstly to establish the nature and extent of INGOs involvement in the human security space of Kakamega County, Kenya; second to assess the levels and state of human security in Kakamega County, Kenya; and third, to evaluate the challenges that INGOs face, and the opportunities in the pursuit of Human Security goals in Kakamega County, Kenya. With the relatively new status of the human security concept, the study promised to contribute to the ever increasing body of knowledge in this area, as well as enrich the developmental approaches and policies applied in Africa which are in need of urgent reform. The study employed theories and models either fully or partly borrowing from: the Basic Needs Approach, the Human Development Approach, the dependency and underdevelopment theory, and Neo-Liberalism. Methodologically, the researcher employed an exploratory and explanatory research design. The study population comprised of the following categories of respondents: officials of INGOs from national to grassroots levels; state officers in relevant departments, from the national level (officials from the NGO Coordination Board), to County development officers, and Members of County Assembly (MCAs); and household heads from the County. The study relied on both primary and secondary sources of data, employing Focus Group Discussions, interviews, observation, and questionnaires as methods of data collection. Secondary data was attained via a thorough review of existing academic literature, which included books, journals, and periodicals. Quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS version 23 software to obtain descriptive statistics, particularly frequencies and percentages, and presented in tables, graphs, and charts. Qualitative data was analyzed using thematic techniques to support quantitative data and presented in form of narrative reports. From the evidence, INGOs have been beneficial in addressing many socio-economic problems in the region including food insecurity, and diseases such as HIV/AIDS. However, the findings indicated human security levels that fall below the national average, despite the many encouraging steps by both the private and public sector to achieving the elusive goal of human security. INGOs in Kakamega County also face challenges including: poor governance and networking, absence of effective strategic planning, lack of autonomy and government interference. Nonetheless, opportunities exist with regard to local resource mobilization, local partnerships and participation, effective support from local and national governments, devolution, and better development strategies. The overall conclusion of this study is that INGOs have had an expanded presence in Kakamega County through the years, bringing with them many benefits. However, the County’s state of human security still remains below the desired levels, with the aforementioned challenges limiting the performance of the present INGOs. Therefore, there is need for more stakeholder involvement, better cooperation with the local and national governments, as well as better development strategies in order to achieve the desired developmental and human security goals.