Factors influencing the implementation of the Economic stimulus programme institutional Infrastructure in Laikipia West constituency, Kenya

Abstract

Governments and other organizations undertake projects as a major link to their clients. The implementation of projects is done in a competitive world in terms of objectives, activities, resources, skills, schedules and people. This study was a descriptive research examining factors influencing the implementation of Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP) institutional infrastructure in Laikipia West Constituency. The study was guided by four objectives namely: to establish the influence of project revenue disbursement processes on the implementation of ESP institutional infrastructure; to determine the influence of management structures on the implementation of ESP institutional infrastructure; to assess the influence of contractual arrangements on the implementation of ESP institutional infrastructure; and to examine how the level of public participation influence the implementation of ESP institutional infrastructure. The target population was drawn from 47 ESP projects actors including institutional heads, departmental heads, contractors and project management committees. The sample size was systematically derived from the target population. A correlation co-efficient of 0.821 was obtained on validity of 10 data collection tools. Data collection was done using structured questionnaires with a response rate of 73.26 per cent. Qualitative and quantitative presentation of data and subsequent analysis was done using frequency tables and percentages. The study established that project revenues were received at constituency levels in single tranches upto four or more phases. The study established that timing of project revenues had significant influence on the implementation of ESP institutional infrastructure. The study established that management structures which implemented the ESP institutional infrastructure were mainly at learning centres and had significant effect on the implementation of the programme. Labour intensive and supply of materials types of contractual arrangements were mainly used and were found fairly suitable hence had significant influence on the implementation of ESP institutional infrastructure. Representation and information sharing were established as the main levels of public participation which had a significant influence on the implementation of ESP institutional infrastructure. Project management structures are recommended to ensure that their capacity and skills are consistent with project revenue frameworks. Predetermination of choice of contractual arrangements should be project specific guided by possible impacts on project budgets, skills of management structures, allowable cost standards and project timeframes. Interactive public participation is recommended for sustainability of project outcomes, structures and assets.