The Role of Oversight Boards in Observing Rule of Law: Are NGOs in Kenya Compliers with Regulatory Requirements or Fugitives?

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the role played by oversight boards in observing rule of law by Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in Kenya. The objective of this study was to assess the extent to which rule of law as observed by NGO oversight Boards in Kenya influence accountability to stakeholders. A descriptive survey research design was used in this study and questionnaires were employed to collect quantitative data in an attempt to answer the research question. Test of hypothesis was done to establish if there was significant relationship between rule of law and accountability to stakeholders among the respondents. The ANOVA test of hypothesis revealed no significant relationship between accountability to stakeholders and rule of law (p<0.970). This shows that rule of law indicators like renewing NGO’s registration on time, did not have any significant influence on accountability to stakeholders. The results of a regression analysis done on the indicators of rule of law show a higher significance level (P<0.406). To a greater extent, most decisions made by oversight boards are communicated to the management team. In regard to involving boards in playing oversight role, fewer NGOs do not involve their boards in decision-making, P<0.833. This latter scenario represents disconnect between the management and the board; oversight is minimal and the board is largely asleep or absent, a characteristic of NGOs run by founder-directors and the board formed only to meet statutory requirements.

Keywords: Kenya, NGOs’ Oversight Board, Rule of Law, Accountability