NGOS AND THE INSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF MEMBERSHIP ORGANIZATIONS - A KENYAN CASE

A World Neighbors Programme in Kenya suggests more general conclusions about how NGOs can help to promote strong, inclusive membership organ isations. A capacity to recognise the potential and limitations of exi sting institutions is found to be critical. It is important to address perceived needs, start with something simple to build confidence and diversify in order to meet the requirements of different constituencie s. A clear strategy is necessary to reconcile these sometimes conflict ing demands. Success demands a heavy initial geographical concentratio n of resources, a substantial training input Co provide staff with spe cialist facilitation skills, and an NGO structure which can access a w ide range of external resources.