DOI: 10.11648/j.ijsdr.20261203.12 ISSN: 2575-1832

The Contribution of Civil Societies' Psychosocial Support Programs on the Wellbeing of Orphans and Vulnerable Children in Kawangware Ward, Nairobi County, Kenya

Celestine Atieno, Anthony Odek, Peter Koome
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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 through psychosocial support programs; however, limited empirical evidence exists regarding the contribution of these interventions to OVC well-being. This study assessed the contribution of civil societies' psychosocial support programs on the wellbeing of OVCs in Kawangware Ward, Nairobi County, Kenya. The study examined mentorship and guidance programs, confidence-building programs, mental health support, and emotional support activities as key dimensions of psychosocial support. 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 was 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 was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings revealed that mentorship programs were significantly associated with OVC well-being (χ 2 = 5.14, df = 1, p = 0.023), with 33.8% of participants reporting good well-being. Confidence-building programs showed significance (χ 2 = 3.87, df = 1, p = 0.049). Mental health support was significant (χ 2 = 4.62, df = 1, p = 0.032), though more recipients reported poor well-being (30.7%) than good well-being (19.5%), suggesting reactive service delivery. Emotional support activities were not significant (χ 2 = 2.98, df = 1, p = 0.084). Regression analysis revealed that psychosocial support positively predicted OVC well-being (β = 0.607, p < 0.001). The study concludes that psychosocial support programs contribute meaningfully to OVC well-being, though their effectiveness varies by intervention type. It recommends strengthening mentorship and counseling services, expanding professional mental health support, and integrating emotional support activities with other interventions for comprehensive care.

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