Influence Of Community Involvement On Sustainability Of Renewable Energy Projects In Nakuru County: A Case Of Sustainable Community Development Services (Scode)

Abstract

Community involvement in a project right from the design to evaluation is important especially in promoting community acceptance of the project. The purpose of the study was to investigate the influence of community involvement on sustainability of renewable energy projects in Nakuru County: A case of Sustainable Community Development Services. The specific objective of the study was to establish the influence of community involvement in project design on sustainability of renewable energy projects in Nakuru County. To examine the influence of community involvement in project implementation on sustainability of renewable energy projects in Nakuru County. To determine the influence of community involvement in project monitoring and evaluation on sustainability of renewable energy projects in Nakuru County. To assess the influence of community involvement in need analysis on sustainability of renewable energy projects in Nakuru County. A descriptive survey design was used on a total number of 610 representatives from women groups, Echariria and Lemolo CBOs, users/customers, entrepreneurs and employees of Scode were targeted. A formula by Kothari (2004) was used to determine a sample size of 235 respondents. The study made use of primary data which was collected using a structured questionnaire and focused group discussion guides. The tabulated data was analyzed using descriptive and regression statistics. The researcher found out that project implementation had the highest influence on sustainability of renewable energy products followed by project design, project monitoring and evaluation and lastly need analysis. The county focused on the goals of the project that were tied to community needs and expectations. Project implementation in the county ensured delivery of the espoused benefits to project beneficiaries. The organization involved process management in project development. Monitoring and evaluation were carried out on a regular basis in their organization. Involving locals from the community in project execution facilitated the process of M & E in the county. Community and customer needs analysis helped the organization to gather information that was useful in meeting gaps of the community. The study recommends that policy makers in the county ought to focus on the goals of the project that are tied to community needs and expectations. The county ought to involve process management in project development. Policy makers ought to ensure that the project implementation in the county delivers espoused benefits to project beneficiaries. Top management ought to involve locals from the community in project execution to facilitate the process of M & E in the county. Top management ought to allow local participation in monitoring and evaluation for attainment of project deliverables. The community ought to be involved in need analysis to contribute to possible solutions to the problems identified and help the county to meet local priorities in the most effective way.