Relationship between Capacity Building Strategies and Performance of Cash Transfers Programs in the Public Sector in Nairobi County, Kenya

Abstract

Cash transfer program has been identified by most developing countries as an important component of social protection however; the program has experienced challenges in the implementation process. This study aimed at establishing the relationship between four capacity building strategies; training, technology, knowledge sharing and stakeholder partnership and performance of cash transfer program in Nairobi county- Kenya with an intention of helping the Government of Kenya and other stakeholders involved in the implementation of the cash transfer program to establish policies and framework geared towards social protection rights. The study was grounded on three theories namely, the social exchange theory, general systems theory, and McKinsey 7s model. Descriptive research design was used on a target population sizewhich was 102 respondents. Purposive sampling technique was applied in sampling sub-county children officers and the nominees of both the Member of Parliament and the county woman representative, while simple random sampling was used on complainants. Datawas collected using questionnaires whose reliability was tested using Cronbach alpha test. A multiple linear regression model was established in order to determine how training, knowledge sharing, stakeholder partnership and technology influenced the performance of the cash transfer program. The study revealed that individually all the four independent variables have a positive and statistically significant relationship with the performance of the cash transfer program. The study concluded that organizations should continuously train their employees; encourage knowledge sharing across the board; enhance partnership among stakeholders and continuously adopt new technologies to enhance efficient operations. The study recommends capacity building for field officers to facilitate understanding of all aspects related to partnership and alliances, dispute resolution, and governance process. The study also recommends continuous supplying of training materials especially to the field officers to ensure efficient and effective implementation of the cash transfer program. The findings have implications on cash transfer practices and policy formulation by government in fostering equity and timely delivery of financial solutions and support to vulnerable people.