Stakeholder Engagement Practices and Implementation of Modernized Market Projects in Kisumu County, Kenya

Abstract

Provision of descent trading spaces through ultra-modern markets has taken shape in most cities across Africa, Kenya included. In Kisumu County a number of modern market project are being implemented. These projects however are continuously facing challenges ranging from litigations to issuing of threats from different stakeholders, which have had adverse effect on their implementation. These problems indicate insufficient or absent participation from key stakeholders. Therefore, this study set out to assess the effectiveness of stakeholder engagement strategies in ensuring the timely completion of improved projects in Kisumu county. The goals of this research were to assess the role of stakeholder consultation in the introduction of modernized markets in Kisumu County; to measure the impact of stakeholder collaboration on this process; to determine the impact of stakeholder information sharing on this introduction; and to investigate the connection between stakeholder empowerment and the introduction of modernized markets in Kisumu County. The research was based on three different theories: institutional, stakeholder, and resource-based. A total of 8,110 participants were included in the analysis. Using the sample determination table developed by Krejcie and Morgan (1970), a sample size of 368 was picked from this group. Sampling was performed using both a stratified selection strategy and a more traditional random sample methodology. The collected data was put through descriptive and inferential statistical analyses. The responses mainly backed up the claims made by the Likert scale used in the survey. The research shows that when stakeholders are included in the decision-making process, there is a significant improvement in information sharing, cooperation, and empowerment. The research also shows, however, that engaging with stakeholders has a negative and little effect on bringing about change in Kisumu County's modernized market. According to the findings of the study, methods of stakeholder involvement have a substantial effect on the execution of initiatives to modernize markets in Kisumu County. A recommendation that utilization of information sharing, collaboration and empowerment be enhanced while stakeholder consultation relooked and policy framework established for a significant realization. Suggestions for further research with other stakeholder engagement factors not covered in the current study, and research in other Counties was raised in order to compare the variations