PROJECT STAKEHOLDER COMMUNICATION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF WATER PROJECTS IN KENYA

Nixon Lemlem, Prof. Ngugi Karanja, Dr. Samson Nyang’au

Abstract


Despite the efforts made to improve water access and management in Kenya, many communities in the region still experience inadequate access to clean and safe water. Literature has shown that stakeholder engagement and consultation are positively associated with the successful implementation of projects. Therefore, a study focusing on effect of stakeholder communication on implementation of water projects in Kenya would provide valuable insights into the unique challenges and opportunities that exist in this specific geographical and cultural context, and would fill important research gaps in the understanding of the relationship between stakeholder management and the implementation of water projects. In addition, the study assessed the moderating effect of project manager competency on the relationship between stakeholders’ communication and implementation of water projects in Kenya. This study is grounded on Social Identity Theory. Cross-sectional design and positivist philosophy was used. The target population was 321 active water projects under water works development agencies in Kenya. The sample frame was 321 project staff drawn from the 321 active projects. The sample size for the study was 178 Project staff. Primary data was obtained using a structured questionnaire. Eighteen respondents from the target population were used to pilot the questionnaire. Descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentages, means, and standard deviation were used to summarize findings of the research variables. The study concludes that project stakeholder communication has a positive and significant effect on implementation of water projects in Kenya. Findings revealed that information sharing, project status report and feedback mechanism influence implementation of water projects in Kenya. The study recommends that project managers should establish transparent and consistent communication channels that ensure all relevant information is accessible to stakeholders.

 

Key Words: Project Stakeholder Communication, Project Manager Competency, Implementation of Water Projects


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References


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