Factors influencing public participation in management of infrastructure projects in public primary schools in Transmara east sub county, Narok county, Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate factors influencing public participation in management of infrastructure projects in public primary schools in Transmara East Sub County, Narok County. The study was guided by the following objectives; to establish the extent to which community awareness influences public participation in management of infrastructure projects, to determine how educational level influences public participation in management of infrastructure projects, to examine how community leadership influences public participation in management of infrastructure projects and to assess the level at which socio-cultural factors influence public participation in management of infrastructure projects in public primary schools in Transmara East Sub County. Arnstein's theory of community participation was used in guiding the study. A comprehensive literature review was conducted and guided the study in answering the research questions. A descriptive study design was used to conduct the study. Reliability test of research instruments was conducted using split- half technique, which gave a Spearman's correlation coefficient of 0.87; indicating strong reliability. A sample size of 283 was used. 281 questionnaires and 2 interview schedules were used to collect data. Only 267 questionnaires were returned and analyzed using descriptive statistics of percentages and frequencies. Analysis of data was conducted using SPSS techniques and descriptive statistics. The findings found out that occupation of community members and the type of communication channels used to create awareness influenced public participation in management of infrastructure projects. Lack of appropriate skills to manage projects was also widespread among PTA/BOM members and this influenced participation and sustainability of projects in schools. The study also noted lack of community leadership structures where the public could ensure accountability of their leaders in processes of managing schools' projects. Low participation and inadequate inclusion of women in leadership positions was found to be a challenge, and this influenced their participation in managing infrastructure projects at community levels. The study also found out that public participation was influenced by social gatherings such as market days and attendance to church services. Age was also noted to influence attendance and participation of community members. The study was significant as it enabled the researcher gain more knowledge on challenges facing public participation in management of infrastructure projects. The findings are also hoped to assist schools' administrators and other education stakeholders appreciate the existence of challenges facing public participation in management of infrastructure projects and possible strategies of addressing them. Based on the study findings, it was recommended that the Government of Kenya should develop socio-cultural friendly policies to promote public participation in management of infrastructure projects in all public primary schools. The study further recommended that the Government should continue with sensitization programmes on the importance of public participation in management of infrastructure projects.