Factors influencing the implementation of economic stimulus projects in Kitui central and west constituencies in Kitui county, Kenya

Abstract

The main purpose of this study was to examine how project financing, project management, community participation issues and support infrastructure influenced the implementation of ESP projects in Kitui Central and West Constituencies. The study used survey research design. The sample included 36 project beneficiaries /community members, 34 stimulus project management committee (SPMC) members and 4 Constituency Development Planning Officers (CDPO) in the two constituencies. However, 32 beneficiaries, 25 Stimulus Project Management Committee members (SPMC) and 3 Constituency Development Planning Officers (CDPO) participated in the study. Both simple random and purposive sampling procedures to generate the sample were used. Questionnaires and interview guides were used to collect data. The data was analysed using International Business Machines Statistical package for social science (IBM SPSS) and in descriptive form. Data from questionnaires were analysed quantitatively and presented in frequencies and percentages while data from the interview guide was analysed qualitatively and both findings were integrated. The following findings were made: funds provided in quarterly tranches were not adequate enough, poor training, illiteracy and lack of skills among the community members made their participation in the implementation minimal, key infrastructure required was either poor or inadequate. The following recommendations were made: adequate training and awareness needed to be provided to the managers and community members for success of Economic stimulus Projects and a departure from the quarterly funding model so as catalyze the efficiency and effectiveness expected in the implementation of the ESP projects. Improvement of the requisite infrastructure, creation of a land bank in the two constituencies so as to have land available for public projects and establishment of marketing linkages between products from the ESP projects and the consumers were also among the recommendations made.