THE INFLUENCE OF INDUCTION TRAINING ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CHILD SAFEGUARDING PROGRAMME AT SECOURS ISLAMIQUE FRANCE IN KENYA

Abstract

Child safeguarding is a cornerstone of ethical humanitarian and development practice, aimed at protecting children from abuse, neglect, exploitation, and harm within programmatic interventions. This study examined the influence of induction training on the implementation of the Child Safeguarding Programme at SIF in Kenya. The study was anchored on the Theory of Change and Systems Theory. A convergent research design was adopted. The study targeted 370 SIF staff. Using the Krejcie and Morgan table, a sample size of 182 respondents was achieved. Simple random and purposive sampling techniques were used in selecting respondents. A pilot study with 37 respondents was conducted. Questionnaires and interview guides were used in collecting quantitative and qualitative data respectively. Data were analysed using SPSS version 30, applying descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations, as well as inferential methods including correlation and multiple regression analysis. Statistical findings were presented using tables, while qualitative insights were analysed thematically and presented verbatim. The study established that induction training practices had a positive and statistically significant influence on the implementation of child safeguarding programmes at SIF Kenya in Marsabit County. The findings showed that effective induction training improves staff awareness of safeguarding responsibilities, clarifies expected conduct, and orients staff at entry level; though its effectiveness is sometimes constrained by limited resources, staff turnover, and weak follow-up mechanisms, it enhances compliance with child protection policies. The study recommends that SIF Kenya should strengthen and standardizes induction training processes to enhance consistent application of child safeguarding practices.