Volunteer Youth Engagement and Performance of Humanitarian Organisations in Kenya: A Case of Kenya Red Cross Society

Abstract

This study examined the effect of volunteer youth participation in decision-making and community service on performance of humanitarian organizations in Kenya, using the Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS) as a case study. The study adopted a descriptive research design with a quantitative approach. Data were collected from a sample of 810 respondents comprising youth volunteers, staff, and governance members drawn from KRCS’s 47 county branches and eight regional offices. Structured questionnaires were used, and quantitative data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Descriptive statistics summarized respondent characteristics, while correlation, ANOVA, and multiple regression analyses established the strength and significance of relationships among variables. Results revealed statistically significant positive relationships between youth engagement and organizational performance. Participation in community service had the strongest influence (β = 0.640, p < .001), followed by decision-making participation (β = 0.130, p < .001). The findings also highlighted regional gender disparities, with male dominance in the North Eastern and Upper Eastern regions and higher female participation in Coast and West Kenya. Overall, the study concludes that meaningful youth engagement enhances organizational efficiency, innovation, and community outreach. It recommends institutionalizing inclusive decision-making structures, strengthening youth-led community service initiatives, and addressing gender and regional imbalances to optimize the contribution of young volunteers to organizational performance.