Factors Affecting the Effective Implementation of Donor Funded Projects in Kenya: a Case of World Bank Funded Projects in Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to establish the factors affecting effective implementation of projects in Kenya, with reference to World Bank funded projects. This is because the despite the large amounts of donor funded projects aimed at facilitating development and alleviation of poverty, there is lack of effectiveness in ensuring that the objectives of the funding are achieved. The study was carried out using descriptive survey. The target population of the study was implementing agencies of the World Bank funded projects in Kenya. The sample was 21 implementing agencies. Data collection involved use of questionnaire and interview of 2 key staff involved in project implementation of each implementing agency. Data pertaining to the profile of respondents was analyzed through descriptive statistics, and more particular, the mean, standard deviation and the range was used. To identify the factors affecting the effective implementation of donor funds, the various scores were ranked with respect to the mean and standard deviation. Data presentation was done though the use of both tables and charts and the results obtained was presented and discussed as per the objectives and research questions of the study. The key findings of the study are as follows: factors that affect effectiveness of World Bank funded projects in Kenya include: adequacy of funding; timing of funds disbursement; adequacy of human resource capacity ; lack of accountability; procurement procedures and bureaucracy; disagreements among beneficiaries and social-cultural obstacles. From the findings 80% of the respondents indicated that procurement procedures and government bureaucracy is a major factor that contributes to ineffective implementation of projects. About 60% the respondents v indicated that capacity building by the government, implementing agencies and donors is important to ensure smooth implementation of projects. From the findings of the study, the following conclusions were drawn as possible interventions that could be used to enhance the effectiveness of World bank funded projects in Kenya: Streamlining of government procurement laws; capacity building for staff of the donor agencies; use of local staff to overcome language and other socio-cultural factors; sensitization and training of beneficiaries; timely auditing of implementing agencies to ensure accountability; timely programme reports from project officers; frequent meetings with key stakeholders ; adequate collaboration and networking of all development partners.