MULTI-SECTOR PARTNERSHIPS AND PERFORMANCE OF DONOR-FUNDED HEALTH PROJECTS IN MURANG’A COUNTY, KENYA

Abstract

Persistent reliance on donor funding continues to undermine the long-term sustainability of health interventions in many developing countries. As external support declines, numerous donor-funded projects fail to maintain service delivery, exposing systemic weaknesses in local health systems. This study examined the influence of multi-sector partnerships on the performance of donor-funded health projects in Murang’a County, Kenya. Grounded in Stakeholder Theory, the study assessed how collaboration among government agencies, non-governmental organizations, private sector actors, and community structures contributes to project continuity, resource coordination, and institutional resilience. A descriptive research design was adopted, and data were collected from 140 respondents drawn from 28 licensed public health facilities. Using SPSS Version 27, the study employed descriptive and inferential statistical analyses, including regression modeling. Findings revealed that multi-sector partnerships significantly and positively influence the performance of donor-funded health projects. Stronger cross-sector collaboration enhanced service delivery, improved resource pooling, minimized duplication of efforts, and strengthened local ownership. The study concludes that effective multi-sector partnerships are critical for sustaining health outcomes beyond donor exit and recommends institutionalizing structured partnership frameworks, improving coordination mechanisms, and integrating joint monitoring and accountability systems.

KEYWORDS: Multi-sector partnerships; donor-funded health projects; project performance; Murang’a County.