PUBLIC BENEFIT ORGANIZATIONS AND SUSTAINABLE HOUSEHOLD POVERTY REDUCTION IN MWINGI NORTH SUB-COUNTY, KITUI COUNTY, KENYA

Abstract

Public Benefit Organizations have played a vital role in supporting poverty alleviation efforts in Kenya. Illiteracy and low school enrolment have increased, with evidence showing a rate of 41.9% despite interventions by Compassion International Kenya. The health sector has been partly addressed by Mumoni Nursing Home to improve public health through the provision of facilities and services; however, maternal deaths continue to rise despite these efforts. Food insecurity remains a major concern, with statistical evidence indicating a prevalence of 57%, despite intervention by Caritas Kitui. This trend suggests that poverty levels continue to worsen. The study investigated the influence of PBOs on sustainable household poverty reduction in Mwingi North Sub- County, Kitui County, Kenya. It was anchored on Social Capital Theory, supplemented with a Capability Approach, employing a descriptive and correlational research designs. The target population was 162,218 persons, while the accessible population was 131,883 persons, representing 81.3% of individuals affected by poverty. Slovin' s formula was used to determine a sample size of 399 respondents. Simple random sampling selected potential respondents, while purposive sampling targeted PBO staff. Interview schedules and questionnaires were the main data collection tools. Their validity was cross-checked while reliability was tested through a pilot study with 40 respondents. The Cronbach' s alpha was 0.967, exceeding the recommended minimum of 0.70. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS software and Pearson' s correlation, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically. To ensure data collection relevance, permits from the relevant bodies, such as Tharaka University Ethics Committee and NACOSTI, along with approvals from both the Faculty and Department, were obtained. The relationships between variables were examined at a 99% confidence level, revealing that Education, Health, and Food Insecurity had correlation coefficients of (r = 0. 051, p> 0. 01, β = 0. 192), (r = 0. 048, p = 0. .000 < 0. 01, β = 0. 171), and (r = 0. 200, p = 0. .000 < 0. 01, β = 0. 269), respectively. These positive relationships indicate linear connections among the variables. Based on these findings, the study concludes that PBOs involve household members in raising awareness about the importance of education to increase school enrolment in the region. In the health sector, PBOs should prioritize providing medical equipment, essential supplies, and consistent medication for local health facilities. Finally, the study recommends study also recommends that PBOs advocate for supportive policies and collaborate with county governments to strengthen food systems, improve market access for smallholder farmers, and enhance food distribution infrastructure.