Challenges influencing Project Management Committees (PMC) in the implementation of Constituency Development Fund (CDF) sponsored projects: the case of Bahari Constituency, Kilifi District

Abstract

Rural development funding in Kenya continued to take different strategies since independence while fighting poverty, diseases and ignorance as prioritized using Constituency Development Fund (CDF) among other kits. The research investigated the challenges influencing the project management committee in implementing CDF funded projects in Bahari constituency. Three specific objectives to guide the study were: to identify the challenges influencing the project management committees in implementing the CDF projects, to establish the impact of these challenges to the successful implementation of the community project and to establish how these challenges can be overcome. A descriptive survey research design was used to collect primary data in addition to the secondary data. A pre-tested questionnaire was administered to target population where 19 PMCs participated. Their selection was as follows, firstly stratified according to administrative divisions and then to sectors giving a total of 4 PMCs in Education, 6 PMCs in water, 4 PMCs in health and 5 PMC in other projects. Key informants were visited and interviewed. The data collected was analyzed both numerically and descriptively. Statistical package for social science (SPSS) ..•. was used, while on the other hand the descriptive analysis of the data collected was mainly put in a narrative form but greatly making use of the values where applicable. The results of the study agreed with other similar studies done previously. The PMCs faced challenges in leadership abilities; education levels were wanting; lack of adequate technical . support; issues associated with CDF funds and administration, political interference and sitting of projects. The study recommends that, capacities of the PMC members be improved so that they are equip~ed adequately to face the challenges while implementing the projects. The structures of the CDF be proactive and address the needs of the community efficiently and effectively by putting in place the manpower desired.