Factors influencing performance of public development partners' collaborative projects In kenya; A case of Kisumu municipality

Abstract

Since 1980s there has been a paradigm shift on the role of the state in delivery of services from being the sole doer to actually being a facilitator in expansive public service delivery agents which include the private sector and the NGOs. However, like many other endeavors, it has not been without some pitfalls. This study sought to explore factors that influence the performance of public - development partners' collaborative projects in Kenya, by taking the case of the Municipal Council of Kisumu. The objectives for this study revolved around factors like planning for projects, management of projects, implementation of projects, redress mechanisms and ways of strengthening the collaborative projects. The study sought to answer the questions of how planning, management of projects, implementation, redress mechanisms and factors strengthening collaborative projects influenced the performance of such projects.. The influence of planning for projects, management of projects, implementation of projects and redress mechanisms exemplified the factors under consideration, while timeliness, cost effectiveness, quality, completion rate, relevance, sustainability and efficiency will exemplified performance. The study population comprised the mayor, six committee chairmen, the town clerk and other 14 chiefofficers and the District Development Officer (DDO). The target population was a total of 23 people. This was found to be ideal because the nature of information being investigated was focused. Thus purposive sampling technique was employed for the study. The study was conducted using descriptive survey; data was collected using questionnaire, interview, and document analysis techniques. For purposes of validity and reliability of data, pilot testing of the instruments was carried out and contcnt validity was done using the results of the pilot study. The data collected was analysed using descriptive statistics. The result was presented using frequency tables. It was established that management of financial resources through proper control mechanisms, compliance with budgetary provisions, cash flow management enhanced performance of the collaborative projects. This was among other findings. Majority of respondents 10(66.7%) for example, acknowledged that the level of participation of stake holders in all aspects of the collaborative projects enhanced their performances. In conclusion the study established that proper management of project resources, participatory planning processes, proper supervision and adherence to quality and legal parameters during implementation as well as M& E among others enhanced performance. As a way forward the study highlighted stakeholder involvement, proper supervision and stringent measures of ensuring value for money as some of the major factors that could enhance the performance of public - development partners's collaborative projects.