Project Management and Effectiveness of Alternative Rite of Passage(ARP) Projects in Narok County, Kenya

Abstract

Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) remains a significant public health and human rights challenge in many Kenyan communities, including the Maasai of Narok County, where cultural norms strongly support the practice. To address this, Alternative Rite of Passage (ARP) projects have been introduced as culturally sensitive interventions aimed at eliminating FGM/C while preserving important aspects of Maasai traditions. This study investigates the influence of project management practices—specifically project planning, stakeholder engagement, communication strategies, monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, and policy alignment—on the effectiveness of ARP projects in Narok County. Using a cross-sectional research design, quantitative data was collected through structured questionnaires administered to representatives of 42 organizations actively involved in implementing ARP initiatives. Descriptive analysis provided an overview of project management practices, while correlation and multiple regression analyses were used to determine the relationships between these practices and project effectiveness. The study's theoretical grounding draws on project management principles and community engagement frameworks, ensuring a robust understanding of the interplay between technical project components and socio-cultural dynamics. The findings revealed that stakeholder engagement is the most significant predictor of ARP project effectiveness. Projects that actively involved cultural elders, parents, youth groups, and local influencers experienced greater acceptance and sustained impact. The importance of communication strategies also emerged strongly, with clear, culturally tailored messaging and interactive communication channels playing a critical role in enhancing community understanding and support. While project planning provided a vital foundation for resource allocation and goal setting, its effectiveness was moderated by the degree of flexibility and cultural alignment. Monitoring and evaluation mechanisms were identified as essential for ensuring accountability and enabling adaptive project management, yet gaps in participatory approaches and the use of digital tools hindered their full potential. Finally, the alignment of ARP projects with national and global policy frameworks, such as the Prohibition of FGM Act (2011) and the Sustainable Development Goals, provided an enabling environment but required stronger grassroots integration to address enforcement gaps. Despite the promising progress of ARP projects, challenges such as cultural resistance, patriarchal norms, and inconsistent stakeholder collaboration remain barriers to achieving their full impact. This study highlights the need for a holistic approach to ARP implementation that balances technical project management with deep community engagement and policy advocacy. Key recommendations include fostering inclusive stakeholder networks, diversifying communication strategies, adopting adaptive planning models, and integrating participatory monitoring and evaluation systems.