STRATEGIC PREPAREDNESS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF SOUTH SUDANESE’S DIASPORA IN NAIROBI COUNTY, KENYA.

TIT DANIEL MAKER, CPA HESBON N. OTINGA, PhD

Abstract


This study examined the role of strategic preparedness in fostering economic development in South Sudan, with a focus on the contributions of the South Sudanese diaspora in Nairobi County, Kenya. The research relied on descriptive research design. The total target population for the study was 85 respondents. An F-test was conducted to evaluate the model’s ability to predict the dependent variable, confirming that the independent variables had a significant impact on economic development among the South Sudanese diaspora residing in Nairobi County, Kenya. The South Sudanese diaspora plays a crucial role in economic development, significantly influencing strategic planning, networking, capacity building, and resource mobilization, leading to sustainable growth and transformation. The study found strong positive effects of diaspora efforts on economic development in South Sudan. Strategic planning (r = 0.721), capacity building (r = 0.755), networking (r = 0.684), and resource mobilization (r = 0.702) were all significant. Regression results showed capacity building had the strongest impact (β = 0.336, p = 0.003). Diaspora engagement significantly influences South Sudan’s economic development through strategic planning, networking, capacity building, and resource mobilization, with capacity building showing the strongest statistical effect in fostering sustainable growth. South Sudan should institutionalize diaspora partnerships through formal frameworks to support strategic initiatives. Strengthening capacity-building efforts, enhancing diaspora networks, and enabling efficient resource mobilization will maximize developmental outcomes. Clear communication channels and incentives for diaspora engagement will further boost economic performance and national transformation.

Key Words: Economic Development Strategies, Policy Engagement, Strategic Networking, Knowledge Transfer, Capacity Building, Remittances, South Sudan

CITATION: Maker, T. D., & Otinga, H. (2025). Strategic preparedness and economic development of South Sudanese’s diaspora in Nairobi County, Kenya. The Strategic Journal of Business & Change Management, 12 (2), 1097 – 1114. http://dx.doi.org/10.61426/sjbcm.v12i2.3260


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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.61426/sjbcm.v12i2.3260

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