Factors Influencing The Completion Of Educational Constituency Development Funded Projects: A Case Of Igembe South Constituency Meru Kenya

Abstract

This study was seeking to assess the factors influencing completion of Educational CDF projects specifically a case of Igembe South Constituency in Meru county Kenya. The objectives guiding this research study were as follows; to establish the influence of stakeholder participation on the completion of educational CDF projects in Igembe South Constituency, to determine the influence of project management competence on the completion of Educational CDF projects in Igembe South Constituency, to examine the influence of budgetary allocation on the completion of Educational CDF projects in Igembe South Constituency and to determine the influence of political interests on the completion of Educational CDF projects in Igembe South Constituency. The types of techniques used included the use of stratified proportionate random sampling, descriptive research design techniques, and inferential statistics. Data was collected using interview guide, questionnaires and observation. Simple random sampling technique was used to identify the respondents. The sample size included 230 educational project beneficiaries and 30 project implementers. A pilot study had to be carried out to ascertain the validity, as well as, the reliability of the research instruments. The researcher employed the use of both the primary and secondary data in the analysis. Multiple regression and descriptive data analysis were used. Data findings have been presented in frequency distribution tables and in prose form. The study findings revealed that there is a strong relationship between stakeholders‟ participation and completion of Education CDF funded projects hence need to involve stakeholders in all the project phases. It was also noted that most of the school projects in the constituency have been implemented but not completed to the required standards because the funds allocated to the specific projects were insufficient. The study findings also indicated a powerful positive relationship between project management competence and completion of Educational CDF projects whereby issues related to application of knowledge, techniques and leadership skills, communication, planning, controlling, time and risk management influence the success of school construction projects. However, though the results indicated a negative relationship between political interests and completion of educational CDF funded projects, the influence of political interests cannot be assumed. Hence, it is recommended that stakeholders be involved in all the school construction project phases in order to enhance their completion within the time frame and set budget. More so, project management team should be well trained and possess all technical skills of a project especially in project planning, controlling and financial management. Additionally, the project financiers should be committed to release funds on time and ensure that the funds allocated are sufficient to complete the initiated projects. CDF funded projects and politics should be parallel and no politician should be part of the CDF committees in order to eliminate any political interests in CDF funded projects.