Influence Of successful implementation of projects in counties: the case of drainage upgrading systems in Mombasa county, Kenya

Abstract

The survey study investigated influences of successful implementation of projects in Counties: The case of drainage upgradation systems in Mombasa County, Kenya. The objectives of the study established the influence of feasibility studies, project plans, project funding, socio political factors and availability of qualified and experienced project teams to the successful implementation of drainage upgradation projects in Mombasa County. The descriptive research design study on a sample population of 50 was undertaken to establish the reasons why drainage upgradation seems to ever be in a constant state of disrepair thereby questioning the very purpose of drainage project upgrading systems. It hence sought to find the best solution that would lead to successful drainage upgrade project systems in the county. Response rate of questionnaires issued to respondents was 100%. The findings of this study revealed that indeed there were influences to successful implementation of drainage project upgrades. With regard to the influence of feasibility studies on the successful implementation of drainage project upgrades, respondents agreed that such studies were a prerequisite. The mean score associated here was 4.12 thereby indicating the views of respondents to be in agreement. The respondents were also in agreement that poor feasibility causes delays in implementation of drainage projects upgrade. A mean score of 4.513 was apparent. Findings show that 90% majority of the respondents had drainage project plans prior to the implementation of upgrade, but in spite of this, their success or lack of it were varied according to respondents’ views. The mean score posted was 3.62 revealing respondents barely thought project plans were helpful in implementing project upgrades. The respondents ranked misappropriation of funds and lack of adequate funding as the greatest factors that would stall the successful implementation of drainage projects upgrade. The mean score in retrospect was 4.76 and 4.81. Respondents also had mixed opinion on the influence of politicians in influencing drainage upgradation systems. Majority of respondents 37 (74%) said there were no politicians directly interfering with implementation of drainage upgrades, but 13 (26%) indicated that there were politicians interfering with implementation of drainage project upgrades. Those who agreed said that politicians had influence on the tendering process and selection of contractors. The findings on the other hand show that availability of semi & skilled labour helps to a large extent expedite implementation of drainage project upgrades. The mean score was 4.12 which had inconsistent opinions as is evident from a standard deviation of 1.430. Recommendations from this study are that the County government should ensure preliminary investigations or enquiries are conducted into the potential benefits of undertaking projects before embarking on the same, ensure adequate planning for projects right at inception and take into account uncertainties such as project complexities, changes in designs in terms of scope which could cause delays in completion and ensure adequate funding is available based on reliable estimates by the quantity surveyor. In addition, developmental initiatives such as drainage upgrades or their implementation should be differentiated from political patronage and that only competent and skilled personnel are recruited to undertake drainage upgrades. County executives, supervisors and drainage project management teams as well as contractors will learn from these findings and aid the citizens of the county in ensuring a healthy and clean environment that shall play a positive role in attracting economic benefits.