Factors influencing sustainability of county funded projects in Mbooni sub county, Makueni county-Kenya

Abstract

In Kenya, a new constitution was voted in 2010 and promulgated on 27th August, 2010.This 2010 constitution paved way for the devolved system of County Governance after the March 4th 2013 elections. Chapter 11 (Cap 11) of the COK 2010-Devolved Government - specifically provides for the setting up of the County Governments. The purpose of this research was to establish the factors influencing sustainability of County Funded Projects in Mbooni SubCounty, Makueni County. The study focussed on Mbooni Sub-County, Makueni County and the objectives were, to determine how stakeholders‟ participation influence sustainability of County Funded Projects in Mbooni Sub-County, to establish the influence of monitoring and evaluation on sustainability of County Funded Projects, to determine the influence of staff competence on sustainability of County Funded Projects and to establish to what extent availability of resources influences sustainability of County Funded Projects in Mbooni Sub-County. The target population of this study was sub-county departmental heads, project management committee members and chief officers. The study targeted a total population of 80 who included the project management committee members, sub-county departmental heads and chief officers who are directly and actively involved in the implementation of County Funded Projects and are deemed to have the required knowledge on sustainability of projects. Krejcie and Morgan table for determining sample size for a finite population was used to select 72 respondents. A descriptive survey research design was adopted for this study. The study used questionnaires and interview guide as instruments of data collection. Questionnaires collected data from project management committee members while interview guide was used to collect data from the county chief officers and sub-county departmental heads. Data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) on the basis of the specific objectives and hypotheses. Findings of the research were presented in tables using frequencies and percentages. The key findings led to major recommendations of the research. On the key findings and recommendations the researcher found that stakeholders‟ participation, monitoring and evaluation, staff competence and availability of resources play a fundamental role in influencing sustainability of County Funded Projects. The study recommends that the level of stakeholders‟ participation in project planning and implementation should be increased to enhance sustainability of County Funded Projects. The Government of Makueni County should ensure it puts in place effective and efficient monitoring and evaluation systems that are participatory in nature. Staff competence should also be considered as an essential factor influencing sustainability of County Funded Projects. Lastly, Government of Makueni County should ensure that the necessary resources to maintain sustainability of County Funded Projects in Mbooni Sub-County are provided in time to ensure sustainable development in the county.