Factors influencing sustainability of economic stimulus package projects; a case of public secondary schools in Bureti sub-county, Kericho county, Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the factors influencing sustainability of economic stimulus package projects in public secondary schools Bureti Sub-County. This study was guided by the following objectives; To determine the influence of stakeholders participation on sustainability of economic stimulus package project, to explore the influence of financial management on sustainability of economic stimulus package project, to evaluate the influence of training in relation to economic stimulus package project sustainability and to investigate the influence of project monitoring and evaluation on sustainability of economic stimulus package project. The study targeted seven schools within Bureti Sub-County. The study adopt probability sample design, The target population was drawn from the one hundred and fifty members in the seven beneficiary schools in Bureti Sub-County who directly benefited in the ESP education projects with the sample size of eight four. Data was collected using questionnaire generated based on a combination of questionnaire which was open ended and closed ended, interviews and direct observation. The collected data was then presented in form of frequency and percentage distribution and analyzed with the help of Statistical package for Social Scientist software. The findings of the study revealed that stakeholder‟s participation, sound financial management, appropriate leadership and training as well effective monitoring and evaluation influence the sustainability of the Economic stimulus package projects. This study recommends that the government should have a clear regulatory framework in order to improve the level of confidence among the stakeholders, to involve professional or experts in project management of ESP projects and also stakeholders and beneficiaries should be provided with comprehensive, quality and convenient training on project planning, project financial management, implementation and even sustainability of project. Whereas this study revolved around ESP projects in schools, the study suggest further investigation be undertaken in the following areas: Influence of gender of the stakeholders on ESP project sustainability needs to be investigated, This study did not establish the sources of funds but how they are managed, Therefore influence of community owned finances on project should be researched on, leadership factors which influence ESP projects in agricultural sector and the influence of global information system (GIS) on the monitoring and evaluation management of ESP projects need to be investigated.