Stakeholder Participation in Project Management Cycle and Performance of Public Transport Terminus Projects in Kenya: a Case of Nyeri Town Bus Terminus Upgrading Project, Nyeri County

Abstract

Transportation infrastructure are recognized as being essential to nation's competitiveness, social inclusion, and enhanced standards of life. One of the biggest obstacles to global economic and social progress has been identified as a lack of or insufficient transportation infrastructure. Participation by stakeholders influences the effectiveness of development activities beginning with project conceptualization and administration. The involvement of stakeholders is critical to the success of any project. This study investigated the impact of stakeholder engagement in project life cycle on the performance of public transportation terminal projects in Kenya, using the Nyeri town bus terminus project in Nyeri County as an example. Specifically, study examined the influence of stakeholder participation in project identification, project planning design, project implementation and project monitoring and evaluation on performance of Nyeri Town Bus Terminus Project, Nyeri County. The Stakeholders Participation Theory and Systems Theory guide this research. The current study used a descriptive research methodology. The study targeted 103 respondents with technical mandates involved in the construction of Nyeri town bus terminus project in Nyeri County, including the donor (World Bank), implementing agency (County Government of Nyeri). The sample size was determined via stratified random sampling. Data was gathered using interview guides and questionnaires. The data analysis included both descriptive and inferential statistics. Tables with the results were displayed. The outcomes demonstrated that the success of public transportation terminal projects in Nyeri County, Kenya, is positively and significantly impacted by stakeholder participation in the project life cycle. The study concluded that the participation of stakeholders in the project life cycle influences the success of Bus Terminus project in Nyeri County, Kenya. In order to guarantee the Bus Terminus project's success, all project participants and stakeholders should be involved from the outset. All Bus Terminus projects should use effective project design and initiation activities, as well as embrace and constantly enforce best practices for stakeholder management. Study similarly recommends that project management team should ensure that future Bus Terminus projects fully involve the stakeholders in the project life cycle process as there is positive relationships.