Factors Influencing Performance of Community Development Projects in Kenya: A Case Study of KISII Central District, Kenya

Abstract

Success factors are inputs to management system which can lead directly or indirectly to project success. This paper aimed to investigate the critical factors influencing project performance of community development projects in Kisii Central District. The objectives were to identify factors existing in projects and also to examine the important index of these factors on project performance in the county. The project performance factors that were considered in this study include planning, monitoring and evaluation framework, implementation strategies, sources of finance and stakeholder involvement which have an overall influence to the project performance indicators, time, budget and scope. This study employed stratified random sampling. The research was conducted using primary and secondary data that is both qualitative and quantitative. Semi-structured questionnaires were used to collect secondary data. To test reliability and validity for questionnaires, a pilot study was conducted. Two statistical methods; descriptive and inferential analysis were applied to measure and determine the relationship that existed among the collected data. From the findings, the study concludes that planning, monitoring and evaluation, implementation, sources of finance and stakeholder involvement have an influence on the performance of community development projects in Kisii Central. The study recommended that for project success all stakeholders should take part in the planning process of community development projects. It was also concluded that all planning procedures should be   adhered to in order to achieve timely projection completion   and objectives. The study found out teamwork with all parties involved, client, project team, financials for the government funded projects, gives a higher success factor. The project also recommended that project cycle, initiation, planning, implementation and closure be given more consideration as they impact on general outcome of the projects. The study findings showed that project planning appraisal is a continuous process and should be applied in every phase of the project to ensure the project is being undertaken as planned earlier and in case of unseen eventualities changes be made early enough to avoid community development project stalling.