Influence of project management processes on performance of Kenya power last mile connectivity projects in Nakuru county, Kenya

Abstract

Electricity connection projects have faced diverse performance challenges across the world. Amongst the challenges were lack of increase of number of customers satisfied with the electricity services, and unsatisfactory numbers of meters that had been installed. Kenya last mile electricity connection project has continued to face diverse performance challenges. The last mile project has also been hit by procurement challenges which derail its implementation. This study seeks to examine the manner in which project management processes influences Performance of Kenya power last mile connectivity project in Nakuru County. The objectives of this study were to examine the influence of project initiation, project execution, project planning and project control processes on the success of last mile project performance. The study is based on the Open Systems Theory. The study was based on the descriptive research design and the target population consists of five departmental heads of the Design Department, Customer Service Department, technical teams, finance and supply chain departments and 148 Kenya Power staff. The data was collected using interviews, and research questionnaires. To ensure the validity of the interview guide, the study utilized expert review team to evaluate of the questions contained in the interview guide and research questionnaire. In order to make sure that the data gathered for this study is reliable, the study used data triangulation approach and Cronbach’s Alpha based on a pilot study. Descriptive statistics was done to describe basic characteristics of the data whereby frequencies, means and standard deviations were used. For qualitative data analysis, the researcher typed all the responses given through interview guides and also transcribed all the audios recorded during the interviews. The transcribed data was uploaded into Nvivo software version 11 for Document Content Analysis. The researcher then did thematic document analysis whereby major themes were presented in the research report. Additionally, Content Analysis of documents regarding Kenya Power Last Mile Connectivity Projects was done. The study findings was presented in form of tables and thematically in narrative form. In doing this research, the researcher observed all ethical considerations of research. In doing this research, the researcher observed all ethical considerations of research. The researcher informed the study respondents the purpose of the study before they participate in the study. Participation in the study was voluntary and no respondent was forced to participate in the study. The respondents’ identity was kept anonymous whereby their identity was coded as Respondent A, Respondent B, and so on. Permission for data collection was obtained from National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovations (NACOSTI). The researcher sought for permission to access secondary data from Kenya Power that was used for document analysis. The study found out that there is statistically significant influence of project initiation, planning, execution and project control aspects on Performance of Kenya power last mile connectivity projects in Nakuru County, Kenya.The following multiple regression model was arrived at; Y = 0.179 + 0.250X1+ 0.208X2 + 0.213X3 + 0.238X4 + 0. 0.10249, where; X1 = Project Initiation Process, X2 = Project Planning, X3= Project Execution and X4= Project Control.The regression model had an R Square value of 0.802, which indicates that 80.2% of the variation in performance of Kenya power last mile connectivity projects in Nakuru County can be explained byproject initiation, project planning, project execution and the project control. The model has a statistically significant predictive capability as shown by F(4, 120) = 121.295, p-value less than 0.05.In addressing Performance aspects ofKenya Power Last Mile Connectivity projects, the study recommendation Kenya power to first consider project initiation aspects, followed by project control, execution and lastly project planning aspects. This study is of great importance to the project managers of Kenya power last mile connectivity projects in ensuring proper expectations are set around what can be delivered, by when, and for how much in project initiation process. This study will also help managers in planning and executing Kenya power last mile connectivity projects through setting achievable deadlines and milestones across stakeholders. The findings and recommendation of this study will help Kenya Power to address issues posing a threat to achieving the set objectives of Kenya power last mile connectivity projects.Furthermore, future researcher is the subject area will form the basis of their studies from the findings of this particular study.