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Kenyatta University Institutional Repository is a digital archive that collects, preserves and disseminates scholarly outputs of the Institution
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Project Management Practices, Community Conservancy Approach and Sustainability of Rangeland-Based Projects’ Benefits in Northern Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2025-12) Sosaita, Paul Lolongei
Despite global efforts to address climate-induced challenges through transparent and accountable interventions, Community rangeland conservation projects in Kenya continue to face persistent challenges, including non-participatory and donor driven designing, limited stakeholder engagement, inadequate awareness of restoration best practices, insufficient financial resources, insufficient rangeland management policies in place, and poor coordination among key stakeholders. These constraints continue to undermine the sustainability of benefits derived from these projects to the local communities therefore fails to make any significant impact. This study examined how project management practices influence the sustainability of community rangeland conservation project benefits in Northern Kenya. Specifically, the study assessed the effects of project design, stakeholder engagement, law and regulations, and digital knowledge inclusion, and further determined the moderating role of the Community Conservancy approach. The study adopted a descriptive research design targeting households across five community conservancies in Marsabit, Isiolo, and Samburu counties. A sample of 451 respondents was selected using proportionate stratified random sampling, and 369 valid responses were obtained, representing an 81.82% response rate. Primary data were collected through structured questionnaires whose validity was verified through content, construct, and criterion checks, while reliability was confirmed using Cronbach’s alpha coefficients. Prior to regression analysis, statistical assumptions, including normality, multicollinearity, linearity, and homoscedasticity, were tested to ensure model adequacy. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (means and standard deviations) and inferential statistics, including correlation and multiple linear regression. Qualitative responses were analyzed through content analysis. The findings revealed that project design, stakeholder engagement, legal and regulatory compliance, and digital knowledge inclusion all had positive and significant effects on the sustainability of rangeland-based project benefits. The Community Conservancy approach significantly moderated the relationship between project management practices and sustainability outcomes. The study concludes that strengthening project management practices, particularly participatory design, inclusive stakeholder engagement, and community-driven governance enhances long-term projects sustainability. It recommends improving project design processes, broadening stakeholder involvement, enforcing legal frameworks, expanding digital infrastructure, and institutionalizing conservancy-based management structures
Devolved governance influence on internal security management in Nakuru County, Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2025-10) Koech,Moses Kiprop
The 2010 Constitution of Kenya, operationalized in 2013, established a devolved system of governance, delegating specific functions to county governments while retaining security under national government control. Despite this, county governments influence security through priority-setting and development mandates. The study evaluated the influence of devolved governance on effective internal security management in Nakuru County, Kenya, from 2013 to 2023. Specifically, the study analyzed the evolving security drivers in Nakuru County following the implementation of devolution in 2013, assessed the effects of devolved governance structures on security management in Nakuru County, examined the challenges hindering effective collaboration between national and county security frameworks in Nakuru County and proposes strategies for enhancing security management within the devolved system in Nakuru County. Using an exploratorydescriptive research design with mixed methods, the study purposively selected Nakuru County, targeting 120 respondents (household representatives, community leaders, businesspersons and Nyumba Kumi leaders) from Biashara, Flamingo, Kivumbini, Nakuru East and Menengai wards in Nakuru Town East Sub-County. Data was collected using interviews, focus group discussions (FGDs) and questionnaires. Key insecurity drivers identified include historical land disputes, unemployment, criminal activities, marginalization and migration. Devolution has enhanced security through local participation, County Policing Authorities (CPAs) and community policing initiatives like Nyumba Kumi, but challenges such as corruption, mismanagement of funds, resource constraints, lack of political goodwill and limited expertise persist. The study confirms adequate legal frameworks but highlights gaps in implementation. Recommendations include strengthening anti-corruption measures, reforming police services, enhancing local participation, improving intergovernmental coordination and deploying skilled security personnel.
Governance Frameworks and Projects Performance in Kenya’s State-Owned Manufacturing Firms
(Kenyatta University, 2025-12) Githu, Churu Pius
Weak project performance persists across many state-owned manufacturing firms in Kenya, yet the degree to which governance frameworks shape these outcomes remains unsatisfactorily understood. This study therefore examined how regulatory and governance-related factors influence project performance within state-owned manufacturing enterprises in Kenya, addressing gaps in empirical evidence and inconsistencies observed in prior studies. The aim of the research was to evaluate the effect of key governance dimensions including compliance requirements, state control, institutional structures, fiscal management frameworks, and political dynamics on the delivery of manufacturing projects. Specifically, the study sought to: determine how compliance requirements affect project performance; assess the influence of state control; examine the role of institutional structures; evaluate the effect of fiscal management frameworks; and establish the moderating impact of political dynamics on project outcomes. The study was anchored on institutional isomorphism, resource dependency, political economy, governance networks and stakeholder engagement theories. The study targeted a total population of one hundred and sixty respondents drawn from multiple state-owned manufacturing institutions and regulatory bodies, from which a representative sample was selected through stratified random sampling. An exploratory cross-sectional design was adopted, and data were collected using semi-structured questionnaires administered physically and through online forms. The analysis involved descriptive statistics to establish patterns, multiple regression analysis to determine relationships among variables, and reliability and validity checks through pilot testing, Cronbach’s alpha, multicollinearity tests, ANOVA, model-fit measures, and correlation analysis. Findings revealed that while projects in state-owned manufacturing firms largely meet expected quality and stakeholder requirements criteria but consistently underperform in cost efficiency and timely delivery criteria. Compliance requirements emerged as the strongest positive predictor of projects performance, whereas political dynamics exerted a substantial negative effect. Although procurement and institutional compliance promote accountability, they also create bureaucratic delays. State control showed minimal influence, institutional structures demonstrated a moderate negative effect, and fiscal management frameworks had a moderately positive influence on project outcomes. The final regression model accounted for thirty percent of the variance in project performance, indicating the presence of additional determinants outside the governance framework.
The study concluded that achieving effective project performance requires balancing necessary compliance with operational flexibility, enhancing institutional autonomy, simplifying regulatory procedures, and minimizing adverse political interference. Beneficiaries of the study include policymakers, managers of state-owned manufacturing firms, regulatory agencies, and researchers seeking to strengthen governance systems and improve project delivery. The study recommends further research into other sectors, additional determinants of project performance within state-owned firms, and deeper exploration of the interplay among institutional structures, fiscal management, and political dynamics
Business Operating Environment and Economic Inclusion of Persons with Disability in Kiambu County, Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2025-09) Chege, Daniel Mbugua
Entrepreneurs with disabilities in Kiambu County face myriad challenges in their quest for social inclusion, especially in market spaces. The lack of adequate and accessible infrastructure creates significant physical obstacles to their inclusion in the local business environment. This study aims to address these challenges by investigating the relationship between the business operating environment and the inclusion of PwD. The study sought to address four specific objectives; assess the effects of public procurement opportunities, fee exemption, space reservations, and market structural designs that affect inclusion among persons with disability in Ruiru Sub County, Kiambu County. The research was anchored in both the social and human rights models of disability, utilizing a descriptive study design and employing a mixed-methods approach. The target population of this study comprised 78 entrepreneurs with disability, 4 market masters, and 5 ward administrators from Ruiru Sub County, Kiambu County. Semi-structured questionnaires and interviews were used as the primary research instruments to gather comprehensive data. The study tool was pretested using 8 participants from Juja Sub- County in Kiambu County. Using the data obtained, construct and face validity was assessed. The study evaluated the reliability of the research instrument through Cronbach's Alpha coefficient. Data analysis involved both descriptive and inferential statistical methods, while qualitative data was examined using a thematic analysis approach. Regarding ethical considerations, the researcher secured approval to carry out the study from Kenyatta University Ethics Review Committee and NACOSTI. The findings of this study may be used to improve business inclusion among persons with disability in Ruiru Sub County, Kiambu County. The study finds that poor enforcement, accessibility barriers, and low awareness limit PWD economic inclusion, despite supportive policies. The study recommends improving PWD inclusion through better enforcement, accessibility, training, and simplified processes.
Effects of Work Environment, Job Stress, Remuneration and Work Life Balance on Desertions among Junior Officers in Disciplined Forces: The Case of Kenya Prisons Service
(Kenyatta University, 2025-12) Muema, Jennifer Mwethya
The main research objective was to ascertain the determinants of desertions among junior officers in disciplined forces; the case of Kenya Prisons Service. To determine the effect of work environment, job stress and remuneration on desertions among junior officers in Kenya Prisons Service. This research was underpinned on the reinforcement theory and Maslow’s hierarchy of needs theory. A mixed research design was adopted. A total of 1062 respondents were surveyed. The research sample was chosen utilizing simple random sampling. The study sample was 400 participants. Questionnaires were employed to collect data. Utilizing SPSS version 23.0, the collected data was cleaned and coded. Descriptive statistics was employed to assess the quantitative data. Tables, graphs, bar and pie charts were employed to present the data. The association between the study variables was established using multiple regression analysis. Work environment had a negative and significant influence on desertions among junior officers in Kenya Prison Service. Job stress had a significant and positive influence on desertions among junior officers in disciplined forces. Remuneration had a significant and negative influence on desertions among junior officers in disciplined forces. Work life balance had a significant and negative influence on desertions among junior officers in disciplined forces. The study recommended that the prison service ought to invest in better infrastructure, including modern offices, training facilities, and appropriate equipment to improve day-to-day operations. There is need to establish mental health support services, including access to counselors and psychologists, to help officers manage stress effectively. Also, organize workshops focused on stress management techniques, resilience building, and coping strategies tailored for law enforcement. The study recommends that the prison service should regularly assess and compare the salaries of junior officers with those in similar roles within other law enforcement agencies and sectors to ensure competitiveness. The findings informed retention strategies in Kenya Prison Services.