Factors influencing implementation of community based development projects by the devolved government in Homa Bay county in Kenya

Abstract

This study sought to investigate factors influencing implementation of community based development projects by county governments in Kenya, with specific focus on Homa-bay County. The study was informed by the objectives: to assess the extent to which human capital, funding, citizen participation and access to information influence implementation of community based development projects in Homa-bay County, Kenya. This study was significant in ensuring that community based development projects embrace good project management practices so as to deliver the expected outcomes suitable to the desires of the implementing stakeholders. The study was anchored on the diffusion of innovations theory that gives the impression that an innovation that originates from one individual may be taken up by others to benefit a wide community. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design, targeting a total population of 1953 from which a 10% sample size equivalent of 195 respondents was selected. The researcher, in sampling process, preferred stratified random sampling techniques on the basis of distinctive departments implementing the projects. Data was collected using questionnaire administered by well trained and motivated research assistants, with close supervision of the researcher. The questionnaire was pretested to ensure its effectiveness in data collection, validity ascertained through adequate coverage of research objectives and reliability determined using split half reliability measure. Permission from the relevant authorities were sought before administration of the questionnaire to the respondents and data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages and presented in frequency distribution tables. At all stages of the study, ethical considerations were observed. The study found out that human capital development through requisite professional training was vital for effective project implementation. The study also found that funding, access to information, stakeholder participation were critical to the implementation of community based development projects. The recommended that National Government should enact clear guidelines and regulations as to guarantee training to all the personnel who maybe involved in implementation of projects.