Leadership Dynamics and Public Participation in Kenya: A Case of Constituency Development Fund Projects in Manyatta Constituency, Embu County, Kenya

Abstract

This study intended to establish the influence of leadership dynamics on public participation in CDF projects in Kenya: a case of Manyatta constituency in Embu County. Specific objectives of the study included determining how project leadership managerial skills, project financial management, and project leadership level of education influence public participation in CDF projects. Stratified random sampling technique was used to select a study sample of 384 respondents from six wards in Manyatta constituency. Primary data collection was conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire. The findings revealed that effective managerial skills, financial management skills and good level of education of project managers were very instrumental in ensuring public participation in CDF projects. Financial resources were also critical in enhancing public participation in CDF projects. Similarly, proper and regular staff training is important in the management of CDF funded projects and therefore this must be adopted as a common practice.