Factors influencing implementation of capital projects by local authorities in Kilifi county, Kenya

Abstract

Capital projects are generally implemented to meet specific objectives or need. In case of Local Authorities, projects are normally to ensure effective service delivery to the residence. Project implementation success has been subject of researchers and practitioners throughout the world. Almost all research in projects has been focused on private sector and government project in developed countries, leaving a gap relating to capital project implementations by the Local Authorities in developing countries. Projects funded by LATF are not much felt by the people on the ground as their impact is minimal. Capital projects implemented by councils have been experiencing constrains including inadequate resources, weak administrative capital and political interferences leading to stalled projects and unutilized completed projects. This research study aimed at identifying factors influencing implementation of capital projects by Local Authorities in Kilifi County.

Descriptive Survey study design was used to collect primary data in addition to the secondary data. To ensure validity and reliability of the research instrument, the researcher carried out a pilot study targeting 10 respondents of whom were excluded from the main study. The technique applied to gather the information was administration of questionnaires to stratified sampled respondents on face to face sections with the researcher. The data collects was analyzed for frequency, mode percentages and then presented in tabular form. Hypothesis was test for possible relationships between variable. The findings established that procurement procedures had significant influence on the implementation of capital projects; the manner in which contracts were awarded. Regard to stakeholder involvement, it was evident during project identification but lacked in other stages of project life cycle. Existing legal frameworks were responsible for more projects being implemented by the Local Authorities. On Leaders ship the study did not establish any relationship between leadership and quality of project being implemented.

The finding indicated inadequate technical capacity in Local Authorities in Kilifi County to implement capital projects. The study recommended that for Local Authorities to improve in the implementation of capital projects they should adhere to the public procurement procedures, stakeholders be involved in the entire project life cycle, LAFT funds be disbursed early enough and finally trained the existing staff on project management. The researcher finally suggested that further research should be done on , technical factors influencing implementation of capital projects in Kilifi County and also on challenges facing devolved funded infrastructure projects implementation by the Counties.