Influence of Volunteerism on Development in Kenya: A Literature Based Review

Abstract

Volunteerism reduces the financial burden that befalls the government. The practice is also critical in the midst of the inability of national and county governments to deliver services to the people. However, this view does not imply that government should abdicate some of its responsibilities to volunteer institutions. In most instances and as result of weak governance, governments lack the capacity to deliver the development promised to the citizens. The study establishes the influence of volunteerism on development in Kenya. The paper employs a desk study review methodology. A critical review of empirical literature is conducted to identify main thematic concepts of the paper. International volunteering enhances socio economic development of county by building organizational capacity, developing international relationships, and performing voluntary labor. International volunteerism entails the developmental projects started by international voluntary organization to promote social wellbeing. The initiative is often driven towards achieving the goals and stated targets of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals. International volunteering fosters international understanding between peoples and nations and while promoting global citizenship and intercultural cooperation. As a result of international volunteering, there is diffusion of human development skills, mindsets, behaviors and networks that prepare volunteers for living and working in a knowledge-based global economy. International volunteering allows the sharing of knowledge, technology and social norms that are essential for sustainable economic development. Volunteerism has promoted developmental projects in Kenya that include educational support, socio economic support, enhancing food security and provision of safe water for domestic use. International volunteer service is a practical way to promote global understanding, while making tangible contributions to the development of individuals, organizations and communities. In Kenya, community based volunteering in socioeconomic development is essential in building various infrastructure and cohesion in communities to further enhance governmental initiatives especially within individual communities. The government actively engages in creating effective community based mechanisms and structures that can make use of resources and skills available within communities. Communities should be sensitized about the power of networking, and sharing experiences about volunteerism without financial benefit. Community members will understand the need to volunteer in providing both social and developmental programmes for the local people. There is need to increase the provision of secure and stable funding for the volunteering infrastructure especially volunteer-involving organisations to create an enabling and facilitating environment for volunteering, and provide resources for development of impact management culture. This can be done through raising awareness amongst civil society staff, government and donor supporters on the importance of volunteerism in promoting economic development.

Key words: International volunteering, community based volunteering and economic development