Capacity Building Strategies and Mission Sustainability in the Catholic Diocese of Marsabit, Kenya

Mission sustainability has become a major concern for faith-based organizations due to declining donor support, limited institutional capacity, resource constraints, and changing socio-economic conditions. The general objective of this study was to examine the influence of capacity-building strategies on mission sustainability in the Catholic Diocese of Marsabit, Kenya. Specifically, the study sought to determine the influence of leadership training and institutional development on mission sustainability in the Catholic Diocese of Marsabit, Kenya. The study was anchored on Dynamic Capabilities Theory. An explanatory cross-sectional survey design employing a mixed-methods approach was adopted. The target population comprised 144 pastoral personnel from the 18 parishes of the Diocese, from which a sample of 106 respondents was determined using Yamane's (1967) formula. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and key informant interview guides. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically. Reliability analysis using Cronbach's alpha confirmed that the research instrument was reliable. The regression results showed that the four capacity-building strategies jointly explained 71.4% of the variation in mission sustainability (R² = 0.714). Leadership training (β = 0.214, p = 0.004), institutional development (β = 0.241, p = 0.002), resource management (β = 0.279, p < 0.001), and mission engagement (β = 0.351, p < 0.001) each had a positive and statistically significant influence on mission sustainability. Qualitative data were obtained from 78 key informants and provided contextual insights that complemented the quantitative findings. The study concluded that strengthening organizational capacity enhances long-term mission sustainability. It recommends continuous leadership development, improved institutional systems, effective resource stewardship, and enhanced stakeholder engagement to strengthen mission sustainability within the Diocese and other faith-based organizations. Keywords: Capacity Building; Strategies; Mission Engagement; Mission Sustainability; Stakeholder Participation