Influence of public participation on completion of development projects in Nairobi County, Kenya

Abstract

The study seeks to assess the influence of public participation on completion of development projects in Nairobi County, Kenya. Nairobi is the capital city of Kenya is frequently the site of numerous development projects aimed at improving infrastructure, public services, and overall quality of life for its residents. However, the completion of these projects often faces significant challenges that can lead to delays, cost overruns, and in some cases, incomplete projects. Specifically, the study sought to assess the effect of public information access, stakeholder engagement and transparency on completion of development projects in Nairobi County, Kenya. The study was anchored on stakeholder’s theory and social capital theory. The study adopted descriptive research design. The target population was 183 comprising of 83 project managers of county funded projects, 83 ward administrators, and 17 sub-county administrators in Nairobi County. The study adopted slovins’ formula to get a sample of 125 respondents. Stratified random sampling was used to select the respondents who participated on the study. Questionnaires were used to collect the primary data desirable for the study. A pilot-test was conducted in Kiambu, County. The study assessed both face and content validity. Reliability was assessed through internal consistency technique, Cronbach’s Alpha values of 0.7-0.9 proved instruments to be reliable. Quantitative data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Science. Descriptive statistics involved the use of percentages, frequencies, measures of central tendencies (mean) and measures of dispersion (standard deviation). Inferential statistic involved the use of correlation and regression analysis. The study findings revealed that there was a positive and statistically significant correlation between public information access and completion of development projects in Nairobi County (r=0.473; p<0.05). There was a positive and statistically significant correlation between stakeholder engagement and completion of development projects in Nairobi County (r=0.541; p<0.05). There was a strong positive correlation between transparency and completion of development projects in Nairobi County (r=0.641; p<0.05). The study concluded that public information access has a significant effect on completion of development projects in Nairobi County. In addition, the study concluded that stakeholder engagement has a significant effect on completion of development projects in Nairobi County. Finally, the study concluded that transparency has a significant effect on completion of development projects in Nairobi County. From the conclusion the study recommended that project team should prioritize clear and timely communication with the public regarding project updates, potential disruptions, and resolution of issues. The study further recommended that ward administrators and sub-county administrators advocate for policies and legislation that promote transparency, accountability and public participation in development projects at the county level. The study is useful to the management and staff of County Government administration having been triggered by the inherent need to change and to re-align itself with the new constitution dispensation and adhere to public participation requirement. The study provides additional insight into the management strategies that may be necessary for carrying out their responsibilities successfully and efficiently.