Thesis:

Non-governmental organizations' influence in promoting and Protecting human rights in urban informal settlement in Mathare sub county, Nairobi county, Kenya.

Non-governmental organizations play a crucial role in promoting and protecting human rights due to the gap between norms and responsible entities, enabling effective operations in globalization. However, their influence in informal urban settlements in Kenya is underexplored. This study aimed to investigates NGO influence in promoting and protecting human rights in Mathare sub-county. The study’s specific objectives included to assess critical factors influencing the promotion and protection of human rights NGOs, to determine strategies employed by NGOs, and to explore the challenges facing NGOs in Mathare sub-county, Nairobi county. This study used a descriptive survey design, where quantitative and qualitative data was collected through questionnaires and key informant interviews. The research targeted 87 human rights non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Mathare sub-county. The study involved 80 respondents using the Yamane formula and used SPPS version 25 to analyze descriptive statistics to assess the effectiveness of NGOs in promoting and protecting human rights in Mathare sub-county. The study revealed that human rights NGOs play a pivotal role in community-based advocacy, with 78% focusing on legal empowerment, social service delivery, and public awareness initiatives. These organizations have contributed meaningfully to human rights advancement in Mathare Sub-County through legal reforms, community empowerment, and educational outreach. However, NGOs face political interference, limited funding, low literacy levels, and restrictive regulatory procedures. The study concluded that while NGOs are essential in promoting and protecting human rights, their effectiveness is hindered by financial constraints, negative community perceptions, and political instability. The effectiveness of these NGOs depends significantly on their ability to build public trust, strengthen partnerships with governmental institutions, and adopt inclusive, rights-based strategies. The study recommends the establishment of multi-stakeholder partnerships, enhanced legal protections for human rights defenders, and streamlined regulatory frameworks to support sustainable human rights advocacy in Mathare Sub-County, Kenya.