Factors Influencing Implementation Of Economic Stimulus Projects In Kenya: A Case Of Fish Farming Projects In Kajiado North District

Abstract

The Kenya Economic Stimulus Program (ESP) was initiated by the Government to jumpstart the economy after the 2007/2008 post-election. The purpose of this study is to determine the factors influencing implementation of ESP projects in reference to fish farming in Kajiado North, Kenya. In Kenya fish-demand is constantly growing. Fish supply, however, lags behind owing to declining natural fish stocks. Aquaculture production in Kenya is still insignificant on a global scale, not following the sector’s worldwide rapid growth. The projects under study are the fish ponds being implemented under the ESP programme. 63 farmers were sampled of the total population who benefitted for the programme. Specific areas of focus was the influence of government funding, government financial flow process, commitment by the beneficiaries and social-cultural beliefs on implementation of ESP fish farming projects in Kajiado North District. A look at the previous studies on ESP have been diverse with varied focus but failing to identify the factors influencing implementation of ESP projects in Kenya. Therefore data for this study was collected through structured and unstructured questionnaires from the farmers. The data was analyzed based on the themes of the research objectives. Quantitative data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) version 20 and presented in form of tables and prose form. Qualitative data was analyzed by making inferences from the expressions and opinions of the respondents around the themes and presented descriptively through content analysis to draw conclusions and recommendation. The results have shown Implementation of fish farming under ESP is highly influenced by the government financial flow, followed by socio cultural influences, and then commitments by beneficiaries and least by government funding. The government should consider a bottom up and a full participatory approach when considering the type of projects to benefit specific areas. This will take care of different cultural beliefs and practices surrounding the communities in terms of project ownership and implementation