Barriers and Enablers of NGO Sustainability in Developing Contexts: Empirical Evidence from Kenya

Abstract

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) play a critical role in advancing social development, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where state capacity remains limited. In Kenya, NGOs contribute substantially to service delivery, rights advocacy, and community empowerment. However, concerns over the sustainability of NGO operations have intensified amidst shifting donor priorities, regulatory changes, and evolving socio-economic dynamics. This study undertakes a systematic review of ten peer-reviewed empirical studies published between 2014 and 2024, critically examining the barriers and enablers of NGO sustainability within the Kenyan context. Guided by multiple theoretical perspectives, including Resource Dependence Theory, Stakeholder Theory, and Institutional Theory, the review synthesizes findings across financial diversification strategies, governance structures, leadership practices, community engagement mechanisms, and regulatory environments. Results reveal that financial diversification, strategic leadership, strong governance, authentic community participation, and adaptive organizational capacity are pivotal in cultivating sustainability. Conversely, overdependence on donor funding, weak internal systems, governance failures, and regulatory ambiguities persist as major threats to long-term viability. The analysis also identifies important research gaps, including limited longitudinal studies, underexplored technological innovations in NGO operations, and uneven attention to power asymmetries within participatory models. Addressing these challenges requires integrated approaches that balance internal capacity development with external stakeholder engagement and regulatory advocacy. This review provides a foundation for both practitioners and scholars seeking to understand and enhance NGO sustainability in Kenya. It calls for strategic reforms at the organizational and sectoral levels to ensure that NGOs continue to deliver transformative outcomes for the communities they serve.