Biography
Mercy Nyokabi Otieno was born in Kibunja Village, Molo Sub-County in Nakuru County. She is a compassionate Social worker with a vast experience in advocacy of children rights, peer education, support group formation, mobilization in awareness creation programs, Eager to work with diverse populations in support of community projects and wellness. Able to utilize a combination of holistic and cognitive approaches to facilitate community projects. she is a result oriented and always prepared for a new challenge.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Social Work from The Catholic University of Eastern Africa and hopes to see that every young person exploits their full potential, the vulnerable in the society are secured and respected as they pursue their potential as equal citizens.
Project Title
Intervention Strategies Influencing the performance of Charitable Children Institutions in Nairobi County.
Project Abstract
This study sought to evaluate the influence of intervention strategies in the performance of Charitable Children Institutions in Embakasi Sub-County, Nairobi County-Kenya. The specific objectives of the study were: to evaluate the influence of capacity building interventions on the performance of CCIs in Kenya; to establish the influence of vocational education Interventions on the performance of CCIs in Kenya; to establish the extent to which psychosocial support interventions influence the performance of CCIs in Kenya; and to examine the influence of life skills interventions on the performance of CCIs in Kenya. The researcher adopted the Bowlby Attachment Theory and the Theory of Change. The study used a descriptive research design, Stratified and random sampling technique was used. Descriptive and inferential analysis was used to analyze data. Data was examined in a qualitative and quantitative manner. The study findings showed that CCIs in Embakasi Sub County expose their staff to capacity building which equips them with knowledge and relevant skills on child care and management; Vocational training provides the children with technical skills required to secure jobs upon exit from CCIs however this is offered to relatively small number of children; Psychosocial care provided to children helps them to cope with stressful events, increasing their resilience in adverse situations and enhancing their coping skills; CCIs in Embakasi Sub County equip children with essential life skills. The study further established that CCIs in Embakasi Sub County are able to provide good care of children while at the institution, prepare them to exit the institution and reintegrate back into the society successfully. However the older children leaving the institutions are not able to secure jobs upon exiting the institutions. By 5% significance level and 95% confidence level, capacity building, vocational training, and psychosocial support and life skills interventions have a significant effect on the performance of CCIs. The study recommends that Policy makers institute effective transitional mechanisms of children from CCIs through continuity to tertiary institutions, vocational training and acquisition of job opportunities; The management of CCIs in Embakasi Sub County establishes mentorship programs to ensure follow up on children after they exit the institutions; and consider employing professional counselors on a full time basis to provide psychosocial support to children.
Research Supervisor: Dr. Fredrick Muniu PhD
