The Influence of Civil Societies’ Support on the Wellbeing of Orphans and Vulnerable Children in Kawangware Ward, Nairobi County, Kenya

Abstract

Orphans and vulnerable children (OVCs) face significant welfare challenges arising from poverty, parental loss, limited access to healthcare, and restricted educational opportunities. Civil society organizations (CSOs) play a critical role in addressing these challenges; however, limited empirical evidence exists regarding the sustainability and long-term impact of their interventions. This study assessed the influence of civil society interventions on the well-being of OVCs in Kawangware Ward, Nairobi County, Kenya. Specifically, the study examined the effects of financial support, rights advocacy, psychosocial support programs, and life skills training on OVC well-being. The study was guided by Attachment Theory and Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory. A convergent parallel mixed-methods research design was employed. The target population comprised 521 OVCs drawn from children’s homes in Kawangware. Using stratified sampling, 226 OVCs were selected, while key informants, including CSO representatives, caregivers, and community leaders, were purposively sampled for interviews. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and interview guides and analyzed using SPSS version 27. A pilot study was done in Kibera Slums to test research instruments. Quantitative data were analyzed using statistical techniques such as descriptive statistics, which revealed that the majority of OVCs who received civil society support (67.2%) reported good well-being outcomes across education, health, and future aspirations, compared to only 1.6% of those without support. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to determine the influence of civil society interventions on OVC well-being. The findings revealed that financial support (β = 0.261, p < 0.001) and rights advocacy (β = 0.359, p < 0.001) significantly improved OVC well-being by enhancing access to education, healthcare, and protection services. Psychosocial support (β = 0.167, p = 0.030) positively influenced emotional resilience and coping mechanisms. However, life skills training showed a positive but statistically non-significant effect (β = 0.066, p = 0.357). The study concludes that civil society interventions are essential in promoting the well-being of OVCs, with financial and rights-based programs demonstrating the strongest impact. It recommends strengthening sustainable financial support, expanding legal protection services, enhancing professional psychosocial care, and integrating life skills training with economic empowerment initiatives. Future research should examine long-term and comparative impacts of these interventions, focusing on the effects of financial support, rights advocacy, psychosocial support programs, and life skills training on OVC well-being.