Influence of Public Participation on the Implementation of County Water Projects in Kajiado County, Kenya
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Date
2024-11
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Publisher
Kenyatta University
Abstract
Public participation in water development projects is a crucial factor in the realization of effective governance and service delivery in County governments in Kenya. Previous research on role of public participation in County development projects in Kenya mainly focused on NG-CDF projects with little attention on water projects in ASAL especially from Project Life Cycle perspective. This study sought to establish the influence of public participation on the implementation of County water projects in Kajiado County. The objectives of the study were to: establish how public participation influences the initiation, planning, design and monitoring of county water projects. The study was carried out in Kajiado North Sub-County and involved a target population of 217 respondents; 150 Household Heads, 50 Water Committee Members, 7 Interest Groups, 5 Water Officers, 5 Religious leaders. This population was selected from the five wards. Through purposive and stratified sampling techniques the study collected data using questionnaires and Key Informants Interview from a sample of 117 Respondents. Mixed methodology involving quantitative, and qualitative data was used in the study. Quantitative data was analyzed descriptively while qualitative data was analyzed thematically. The study findings revealed that 60% of the respondents supported the view that public participation significantly influences the initiation of county projects through feasibility studies, baseline studies, needs assessment and commissioning of County Projects. The study also established that public participation significantly influences the planning of projects positively as indicated by M=1.45.The study further established that public participation significantly influences water projects design thereby ensuring the beneficiaries select projects that address their immediate needs as reflected by 66% of the respondents. Finally, the study established that public participation significantly influences monitoring of water projects thereby ensuring successful completion and delivery of projects as indicated by M=113.82. The research recommends that the County Government improves on mechanisms of citizen participation in the implementation of water project design, planning, monitoring and evaluation as this is likely to yield better project outcome in the metropolitan areas within Kajiado County. The study also recommends that the County Government of Kajiado conducts civic education programs to create awareness among its masses on its projects and programs.
Description
A Research Project Submitted to the School of Law, Arts and Social Sciences in Partial Fullfilment of the Requirements for the Award of the Degree of Master of Public Policy and Administration of Kenyatta University
Supervisor:
1.Felix Kiruthu