| dc.description.abstract | The purpose of this study was to investigate factors influencing public participation in
management of infrastructure projects in public primary schools in Transmara East Sub County,
Narok County. The study was guided by the following objectives; to establish the extent to
which community awareness influences public participation in management of infrastructure
projects, to determine how educational level influences public participation in management of
infrastructure projects, to examine how community leadership influences public participation in
management of infrastructure projects and to assess the level at which socio-cultural factors
influence public participation in management of infrastructure projects in public primary schools
in Transmara East Sub County. Arnstein's theory of community participation was used in
guiding the study. A comprehensive literature review was conducted and guided the study in
answering the research questions. A descriptive study design was used to conduct the study.
Reliability test of research instruments was conducted using split- half technique, which gave a
Spearman's correlation coefficient of 0.87; indicating strong reliability. A sample size of 283
was used. 281 questionnaires and 2 interview schedules were used to collect data. Only 267
questionnaires were returned and analyzed using descriptive statistics of percentages and
frequencies. Analysis of data was conducted using SPSS techniques and descriptive statistics.
The findings found out that occupation of community members and the type of communication
channels used to create awareness influenced public participation in management of
infrastructure projects. Lack of appropriate skills to manage projects was also widespread among
PTA/BOM members and this influenced participation and sustainability of projects in schools.
The study also noted lack of community leadership structures where the public could ensure
accountability of their leaders in processes of managing schools' projects. Low participation and
inadequate inclusion of women in leadership positions was found to be a challenge, and this
influenced their participation in managing infrastructure projects at community levels. The study
also found out that public participation was influenced by social gatherings such as market days
and attendance to church services. Age was also noted to influence attendance and participation
of community members. The study was significant as it enabled the researcher gain more
knowledge on challenges facing public participation in management of infrastructure projects.
The findings are also hoped to assist schools' administrators and other education stakeholders
appreciate the existence of challenges facing public participation in management of
infrastructure projects and possible strategies of addressing them. Based on the study findings, it
was recommended that the Government of Kenya should develop socio-cultural friendly policies
to promote public participation in management of infrastructure projects in all public primary
schools. The study further recommended that the Government should continue with sensitization
programmes on the importance of public participation in management of infrastructure projects. | en_US |
