Factors influencing performance of community development projects: a case of Inades formation Kenya (African institute of social and economic development) in Machakos County, Kenya

Abstract

The main purpose of the study was to investigate the factors influencing the performance of Community Development Projects (CDPs) in Machakos County, Kenya with a focus on the initiatives carried out by African Institute of Social and Economic Development (INADES Formation Kenya). The statement of the problem to the research was why most CDPs face challenges when it comes to performance. The purpose of the study was to explore the factors influencing the performance of CDPs: the case of IFK projects in Machakos County. The objectives were; to determine how the planning process of management influences performance of community development projects, to establish how governing policies influence the performance of Community Development Projects in Machakos County, to examine how availability of resources influence the performance of Community Development Projects in Machakos County and to determine how community participation influences the performance of Community Development Projects in Machakos County. The study adopted a descriptive research design. The target population for this study were the 7 INADES Formation Kenya projects. The study worked with a representative sample of 105 respondents which included; 7 IFK project officers, 56 IFK field officers, 37 IFK direct beneficiaries and 5 government officials from the Ministry of Labor, Social Security and Services. The study relied on data collected through questionnaires and an interview guide. The tabulation, coding and processing of the responses gathered was done by use of computer software Statistical package for Social Science (SPSS). The study was able to establish that there exists a positive association between the planning process of management and performance of community development projects. It was clear from the findings that planning influences achievement of objectives and that planning at all levels with involvement of all relevant stakeholders impacts on performance. The study also found out that governing policies and performance of community development projects do have a positive association. The findings showed that involvement of key development practitioners and the community in policy making and implementation and constant policy updates is central to performance. The study established a positive relationship between the availability of resources and performance of community development projects. It was clear from the findings that access and frequency of funding does influence performance and that the qualification and relevance of human resource does impact on performance. The study also established a positive relationship between community participation and the performance of community development projects. It was clear from the findings that community involvement right from project initiation influences project performance and that empowerment and development of transition mechanisms of the management teams at the community level impacts on performance and sustainability. The study recommended a number of undertakings; that INADES Formation Kenya management and staff follow up on community participation right from the planning process; that the beneficiaries be committed to protect initiatives meant for their development; that the government ensures good representation of relevant stakeholders and the community in the entire process of policy making and implementation.