An Assessment of The Influence of Technology on Faith-Based Development Interventions: A Case of Nairobi City County lang’ata Sub-County Kenya

Abstract

Technology has in recent times become a key global factor in the planning and implementation of development interventions by various actors, including the faithbased organizations. Technology has the ability to influence decision making as well as set the conditions that development organizations as actors consider in development interventions. However, this ability has been thought of to change from developed to developing countries. It is this complex issue that this study sought to assess the influence of technology on faith-based development interventions in Kenya. The objectives of the study were to: examine the influence of technology in planning for development interventions among faith-based organizations; assess the influence of technology in the implementation of development interventions among faith-based organizations, and evaluate the challenges experienced by the faith-based organizations as they apply technology in the implementation of development activities in Nairobi City County, between 2021-2023. The study capitalized on several theories that include the structuralist perspective, Liberal-pluralism and the Hypodermic needle perspective which were triangulated in order to bring a broader and conclusive view of the subject matter. Methodologically, the study used descriptive survey design, with qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection and analysis. The study population involved employees working in faith-based organizations in Nairobi city county langata subcounty Kenya, which is estimated 1150 during the time of the study. The population of the study was sampled using purposive sampling technique, and the respondents was to stratified based on their job position. The study selected 115 respondents, who gave data that was to analyzed using SPSS version 23, and then interpreted to inform the study. The researcher observed the standard ethical considerations. The findings revealed that while technology significantly enhanced planning through improved mapping, data collection, and project assessment, it was not fully utilized due to limited training and technical expertise. In the implementation phase, technology played a critical role in streamlining communication and monitoring progress; however, barriers such as inadequate infrastructure and lack of financial resources limited its impact. The challenges experienced by faith-based organizations included underutilization of technological tools, insufficient funding, and technical difficulties, which hindered the full integration of technology into their development activities. Based on these findings, the study concludes that while technology has the potential to transform development interventions, its effectiveness is contingent on overcoming operational and financial constraints. The study recommends targeted capacity building for staff, increased investment in technology infrastructure, and the development of tailored training programs to enhance the adoption and utilization of technological tools. Strengthening these areas will enable faith-based organizations to maximize the benefits of technology, improve their efficiency in planning and implementing interventions, and ultimately achieve better development outcomes. This research is intended to be used by faith-based organizations (FBOs), policymakers, development practitioners, and academics. It is also available for use by community leaders and technology solution providers working within the development sector.