INFLUENCE OF STAKEHOLDER ACTIVITIES ON IMPLEMENTATION OF RURAL ROAD PROJECTS IN MACHAKOS COUNTY
Anastasia Ndinda Ndunda - Master of Science in Project Management, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya
Dr. Samson Nyang’au Paul (PhD) - Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya
Ms Lydia Kwamboka Mbura - Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya
ABSTRACT
This study was aimed at establishing the influence of stakeholder activities on implementation of road projects in Machakos County. The study focused on road projects under Kenya roads authority. The study was motivated by increasing focus on stakeholders who are considered critical in project implementation though not highly focussed on in research. The objectives of the study were to examine the influence of project financiers, oversight activities, regulation and project participation by stakeholders in the implementation of road projects. The study was expected to be of significance to Kenya rural roads Authority as well as future researchers. The study focused on rural road projects under KERRA in Machakos County. Descriptive survey design was used to accomplish the study objectives. Data was mainly collected from employees of KERRA as well as various stakeholders for various road projects. A semi – structured questionnaire was used to collect data from the respondents. Data was analysed to generate both descriptive and inferential statistics. Descriptive statistics summarized the study findings into meaningful parameters such as percentages, mean and standard deviations. Descriptive statistics provided an analysis of the relationship between the study variables. Data analysis was done using statistical package for social sciences. Data was presented in tables and charts and interpretations done based on research objectives. Conclusions and recommendations were drawn from research findings. The study findings showed that financier activities positively and significantly influenced implementation of road projects in Machakos County. On oversight activities the study established positive and significance influence on implementation of rural road projects. Efficiency in operating environment as a result of approvals and appraisals by KeRRA had enhanced industry awareness as well as implementation of projects. Regulatory activities positively influenced implementation of road projects. Road project works by qualified contractors had ensured delivery of quality road projects through continuous inspection that ensured quality was not compromised. Project beneficiary participation positively and significantly influenced the implementation of road projects in Machakos County. The study recommended a need for the government to ensure availability of funds to contractors on good time, a need to encourage local leaders to work closely with oversight authorities, adoption of other ways of approving the right contractors to ensure that there were no delays in approvals of qualified contractors and a need to award road construction contracts to contractors that are willing to employ the local community to enhance high levels of project acceptability. Further study should be carried out to investigate the factors influencing the implementation of roads projects in other counties in Kenya, in addition an examination of how political instability as well insecurity influences the implementation of roads projects, as well as determining funds mismanagement by both government officials and contractors influence the implementation of roads projects.
