Effectiveness of Risk Identification Strategies in Enhancing the Sustainability of Donor-Funded Christian Health Association of Kenya in Manyatta Sub-County

Edith Chugu Mwachoki, Lango Bernard and Juma Edwin
The Catholic University of Eastern Africa, Kenya
Email: edithmwachoki@email.com

Abstract: The sustainability of donor-funded health projects remains a challenge due to financial, operational, institutional, staffing, and service-delivery risks. This study assessed the effectiveness of risk identification strategies in enhancing the sustainability of donor-funded Christian Health Association of Kenya projects in Manyatta Sub-County, Kenya. Guided by Systems Theory and Stakeholder Theory, the study adopted a mixed-methods convergent parallel design. A census approach was used to include 150 participants. Quantitative data were collected using structured questionnaires and analysed using SPSS Version 26 through descriptive statistics, Pearson Product-Moment correlation, and simple linear regression. Qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analysed thematically. Findings showed that risk identification strategies were perceived as effective, with a composite mean of 3.96 (SD = 1.00). Pearson correlation revealed a strong, positive, and statistically significant relationship between risk identification strategies and project sustainability (r = .742, p < .01). Regression analysis showed that risk identification strategies explained 55.1% of the variation in project sustainability (R² = .551), with the model being statistically significant, F (1,76) = 93.273, p < .001. The null hypothesis was rejected. The study concludes that systematic risk assessment, stakeholder involvement, risk documentation, and early-warning mechanisms significantly enhance project sustainability. The study recommends strengthening these practices through regular risk reviews, stakeholder participation, improved documentation, effective early-warning systems, and continuous staff capacity building.