A critical look at good governance practice through project implementation: the case of SNV (The Netherlands Development Organisation) in Kenya

Abstract

Understanding and appreciating the nature and power of effective governance structures is vital for a country‟s stability as well as economic and social growth. Good governance results in transparency and accountability thus promoting ethical managerial practices, high positive impact and sustainable development. By the nature of their existence, the success of Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs) is pegged on issues related to good governance and ethical managerial practices. Governments and donors entrust these organizations with funds on the understanding that they will efficiently manage allocated resources to run projects that result in sustainable development characterized by high impact. Good governance and ethical managerial practices are critical in ensuring such accomplishments; and studying an NGO perceived as having these attributes may be a useful source of best practices for not only the NGO sector but even the private and public sector. This report, therefore, proposes to make a contribution in the area of governance by critically analyzing the governance structures of SNV (The Netherlands Development Organization) in implementing its projects. The study is motivated by the scarcity of published documentation on corporate and project governance practices specific to the African and particularly Kenyan context, which organizations interested in pursuing good governance and managerial practices can use as a reference point. It pursues literature which emphasizes that effective governance can lead to managerial excellence but managerial ethical excellence does not always exist without effective governance. The primary interest is on the success emanating from good governance, with the aim of coming up with recommendations that can assist policy makers in formulating a set of best practices that can possibly be emulated and embraced by other donor-dependent organizations. Findings of the report may also be applicable to profit-making, government and other charity-based entities.