Stakeholders Engagement Practices and Performance of Humanitarian Non-Governmental Organizations Projects in Nairobi City County, Kenya

Abstract: The study examined the effect of stakeholder engagement practices on the performance of humanitarian NGO projects in Nairobi City County, Kenya. It was motivated by persistent challenges in project performance, including declining quality, cost overruns, delays, and low beneficiary satisfaction. The study specifically investigated how stakeholder identification, stakeholder involvement, communication processes, and feedback handling influence project performance. Guided by stakeholder theory, communication theory, and human capital theory, an explanatory research design was used. Data was collected from 273 respondents across 21 NGO projects, with a sample of 7 projects selected randomly and respondents within them studied through a census approach. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used for analysis. Findings revealed that all stakeholder engagement practices positively and significantly influence project performance. Stakeholder identification was the strongest predictor, followed by involvement, communication, and feedback handling. Although implementation of these practices was generally moderate, projects with stronger and more systematic stakeholder engagement achieved better outcomes in quality, timeliness, cost efficiency, and beneficiary satisfaction. The study concludes that effective stakeholder engagement is critical for improving humanitarian project performance. It recommends that NGOs formalize stakeholder engagement through policies and standard operating procedures, and invest in staff and volunteer training to strengthen identification, involvement, communication, and feedback systems across projects. Keywords: Stakeholder engagement, Humanitarian NGO projects, Project performance, Nairobi City County, Feedback management. Title: Stakeholders Engagement Practices and Performance of Humanitarian Non-Governmental Organizations Projects in Nairobi City County, Kenya Author: Muraya Judy Wangui, Lydia Gachengo International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations ISSN 2348-7585 (Online) Vol. 14, Issue 1, April 2026 - September 2026 Page No: 331-340 Research Publish Journals Website: www.researchpublish.com Published Date: 08-May-2026 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20081204 Paper Download Link (Source) https://www.researchpublish.com/papers/stakeholders-engagement-practices-and-performance-of-humanitarian-non-governmental-organizations-projects-in-nairobi-city-county-kenya