Perris ChegeOmondi, Hibert2024-02-012024-02-012023-11https://ir-library.ku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/27412A Research Project Submitted to the School of Business, Economics and Tourism in Partial Fulfilment for the Award of Degree in Master of Business Administration (Project Management) Of Kenyatta University, November 2023.An economy's ability to create jobs, ensure food security, generate wealth, and foster innovation is dependent on agricultural projects. According to statistics from the National Irrigation Board, (2018), the performance of agricultural projects in Ahero irrigation scheme is in general declining. The scheme is currently producing an average of 200,000 tonnes of rice annually compared to the annual rice consumption in the county that stands at 600,000 tonnes. Therefore, this study aimed at determining the effect of project risk management on performance of agricultural projects in Ahero irrigation scheme, Kenya. The study specifically determined the effect of risk identification, risk analysis, risk response planning and risk control on performance of agricultural projects in Ahero irrigation scheme, Kenya. The main theories that guided this study were the contingency and prospect theory. This study employed descriptive research design. This study employed descriptive research design. The study units of analysis were 5 agricultural projects in Ahero irrigation scheme. The unit of observation was 55 respondents working with the schemes who comprised of 5 project managers and 50 project team members. A census of 55 respondents was done. Questionnaires that were semi-structured were used to obtain primary data. A pilot study was conducted involving 6 respondents who were not included in the final study. Content validity and face validity was done to ensure the validity of the instruments. Cronbach’s alpha test was done to ensure reliability of the instrument and a 0.791 alpha value was achieved that guaranteed that the instruments were reliable. Data was analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistical techniques. Descriptive statistics included frequency tables, percentages, means and standard deviations. Inferential statistical tools were multiple regression analysis and Pearson Product Moment Correlation. Tables, charts and graphs were used for data presentation. The study examined that risk identification, risk analysis, risk response planning and risk control had a positive and significant effect on the performance of agricultural projects in Ahero irrigation scheme, Kenya. The study concluded that risk identification is a continuous process that lasts the duration of the project. Risk analysis is a tried-and-true method for locating and evaluating elements that could harm the success of a venture or project. risk response planning allows for the choice of action and development of options to improve opportunities and lessen threats to the project’s goals. Risk control is an essential step in the project management process of risk management. The study recommended that the project managers should conduct brainstorming sessions with the project team, analyze documents and historical flowcharts. As the first step in the project, the project managers should conduct a survey risks assessment to gather input from management and department heads. To be successful, the risk response planning must be timely, cost-effective in meeting the challenge, realistic within the context of the project, agreed upon by all parties involved, and owned by a responsible party. The project managers should create a project risk register as a means of accurately tracking information is a crucial first step to a successful project risk management frameworkenProject Risk ManagementPerformance of Agricultural ProjectsAhero Irrigation SchemeKisumu CountyKenyaThesis