Influence of Project Management Practices on Performance of Constituency Development Fund Projects in Kenya: a Case of Maternity Hospitals in Kasarani Sub-county, Nairobi County

Abstract

The mismanagement and embezzlement of CDF fund by Constituency Development Fund Committees (CDFC) has been reported in the country. According to Lobby group the National Taxpayers Association (NTA 2012), an approximate of Ksh. 242 million of the allocation to the Constituency Development Funds (CDF) Committees was embezzled, unaccounted for or misused in 2010/11 financial year. Management of CDF funds will significantly improve if those who are entrusted with these funds are made to account for them. This study will determine the influence of project management practices on performance of Constituency Development Fund projects in Kenya: a case of maternity hospitals in Kasarani Sub-County-Nairobi County. The objectives of the study centered on the following issues in regard to the performance of Constituency Development fund projects in Kasarani; to determine the influence of Project Management Competency on performance of Constituency Development Fund projects in Kasarani Sub-county, Nairobi County, to establish the influence of project planning on performance of Constituency Development Fund in Kasarani Sub-county, Nairobi County, to determine the Influence of Monitoring and Evaluation on performance of Constituency Development Fund Project in Kasarani Sub-county, Nairobi County and to assess the Influence of fund allocation and utilization on the performance of Constituency Development Fund Projects in Kasarani Sub-county, Nairobi County. The empirical literature is works of widely published scholars. The study is derived from two models stakeholder theory and competency theory. The relationship between study variables is demonstrated by a conceptual framework that exemplifies interrelationships between variables. This study adopted a descriptive survey design with a target population of 70 which comprised of ten (10) CDF committee members (chair lady, secretary, youth representative (male and female), fund manager, ward representatives and sixty (60) maternity hospital staff. The sample size of 70 respondents was drawn from the population. The questionnaires consisted of both open and close-ended questions. The close-ended questions provided more structured responses to facilitate tangible recommendations. Data collected, was tabulated and analyzed for purpose of clarity, with the aid of SPSS version 20 software, then inferential analysis was carried out, a multivariate regression model was applied to determine the relative importance of each of the four variables in relation to the study. The study concludes that; project management competency highly influences on the performance of CDF projects; project planning moderately influences on the performance of CDF projects; monitoring and evaluation highly influences performance of CDF projects and funds allocation and utilization moderately influences performance of CDF projects. The study reveals at 0.05 level of significance, there exists a positive significant relationship between each of; project management competency, project planning, monitoring and evaluation, and fund allocation and utilization on performance of CDF projects. The study recommends that the CDF board should; ensure professionalism in securing its project management competency, prepare documentations and manuals guiding on project planning, develop policies and address aspects on monitoring and evaluation, ensure that the project funds are prudently allocated and utilized. The expected outcome is; recruiting and retaining competent and skilled staff having adequate experience in project management, outsourcing from reputable and experienced contractors and consultant, effective project planning activities, continuously monitoring and evaluating project progress during implementation and observe accountability in allocating and utilizing project funds.