Capacity Characteristics and Performance of Water Development Projects Funded by Davis and Shirtliff Limited in Meru County, Kenya

Abstract

With the growth of population in most parts of the country, proper management of water resources has proved to be very vital in the quest to supply communities with safe and clean water. Water is a basic need for human livelihoods, but this function cannot be fully undertaken by government. Local and international NGOs need to partner with government to assist especially parts of the population that are less privileged with availability of such safe water. Companies can also partner with government on this important task outside their commercial aspects through CSR programs. In this perspective, CSR projects and programs need to be handled differently as opposed to commercial projects by companies to achieve success. This study seeks to assist Davis and Shirtliff Ltd to come up with standards to manage its CSR projects effectively. This will also assist beneficiaries to manage the projects well and understand the importance of environmental conservation. The study has sampled CSR projects done in Meru County by Davis and Shirtliff. Projects of this nature have proved to be successful in meeting humanitarian needs. From the failures in some of the projects, lessons can be drawn to improve the handling of the projects. Post implementation steps need to be taken to ensure the projects are sustainable and meeting the intended purposes. This research draws lessons from CSR projects in Meru County to formulate standards to better manage the docket.