Social factors influencing the performance of water projects:The case of Gatamathi water and sanitation company in Murang'a County, Kenya

Abstract

This study aimed at investigating the social factors influencing the performance of Gatamathi Water and Sanitation Company. The study was specifically assessing the social effects of accessibility, community participation, sustainability, motivation of stakeholders and personal characteristics on the performance of water project. The researcher carried out a case study of Gatamathi Water and Sanitation Company in Murang’a County. The researcher adopted a single case design. This design therefore helped to investigate the social factors on the performance of water project. An intensive study was done gearing towards a thorough understanding of factors of limited to generalizability. In the study only few units were involved and not the entire population. The study was causal study which intended to establish causal effects of the performance of water project. The researcher used several theories for external validity. The study adopted quantitative research approach with descriptive and numerical data. The researcher used triangulation (mixing the methodology) to strengthens the study design by combining several methodologies. Data triangulation was also used in collecting primary and secondary data sources. Multiple methods in sampling techniques, instruments and statistical analysis were utilized in order to enhance the study. The target population of this study was made of Top Management, Middle level Managers, Supervisors, other workers and consumers of Gatamathi Water and Sanitation Company. The population list indicates that there were 240 employees and consumers whom the company involved in its operations. The researcher got a representative sample from various categories of employees and consumers. The study used a sample size of eighty employees and consumers from a total population of 240 individuals. This sample was arrived at through probability sampling technique, where simple stratified random sampling technique was employed by the researcher to get the necessary conclusion of the research. Several research instruments were employed to enrich the study. Data was analysed through SPSS data software and presented in tables, graphs and figures. The summary, conclusion and recommendation of the study were based on the finding of the research. The study established that sustainability, community participation, accessibility and motivation were social factors which had a significant influence at the selected level of confidence in the performance of water projects. It is hoped that the lesson provided by the study will be useful for the improvement of water planning and management.