Joint Decision-Making Influence on Implementation of Water Projects in Machakos County of Kenya

Abstract

This study focused on the extent to which joint decision-making influences the implementation of water projects in Machakos County of Kenya. Accessibility to safe water has been a great challenge not only in Machakos County but to the developing world. The developed world often provides water aid to developing nations to cater to water projects. However, water projects have experienced challenges in providing affordable and sustainable water projects. Machakos County has low rainfall, it lies on the Semi-Arid Areas and multiple projects have been put in place to address water challenges. Despite the multiple water supply projects in Machakos County, problems have continuously emerged. The purpose of this study was to establish the extent to which joint decision-making influence the implementation of water projects in Machakos County of Kenya. The study was anchored on a Pragmatic paradigm and used a descriptive survey research design. The target population for this study was Machakos County water representatives, both staff and community. The research sample was Water Resources Users Association officials, Water Resource Management Authority employees, County Ministry of Water and Irrigation staff, Water Services Trust Fund staff and Tana Athi Water Services Agency Staff, giving a total target population of 572 individuals. The sample size of the study was derived from the various strata by using Krejcie and Morgan table for sample size determination which gave a sample size of 226 participants. The research instruments used included: Questionnaires, Key Informant Interviews, Focus Group discussions, Observation, Document review and Interview guides. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. Quantitative data were analysed using frequencies, percentages, mean, standard deviation, composite mean and standard deviation. Qualitative data were analysed by content analysis. This study is significant to policymakers, students, water agency managers and primary stakeholders in the research region. It was concluded that the joint decision influences the implementation of water projects in Machakos County in Kenya.