Factors Influencing Implementation Of Government Affirmative Action Projects: A Case Of Uwezo Fund Projects In Embakasi East Sub-County, Kenya

Abstract

This research project is aimed at establishing the factors influencing implementation of government affirmative action projects; A case of Uwezo fund projects in Embakasi East Sub County in Kenya. Uwezo Fund is one of the affirmative action programmes funded by the government of Kenya under the ministry of Devolution and Planning. The programme is designed to increase employment among the target groups and reduce the level of poverty. The purpose to conduct research on Uwezo Fund was based on the fact that it has implemented more development projects that contribute immensely to the Kenya Vision 2030 than other government affirmative actions with regards to youth, women and persons with disability. It is of critical importance to know whether these projects have been of great impact in reducing unemployment and alleviation of poverty. This research was set out to achieve the following objectives: The importance of stakeholder involvement in successful implementation of government affirmative action projects; The extent to which management contributed to the implementation of government affirmative action projects; The relationship that existed between capacity building of community self-help groups and sustainability of affirmative action projects and how the level of funding by government affirmative funds affected the implementation of projects. To achieve the above objectives, a total population of 95 projects and sample size of 76 projects was selected based on the Krejcie & Morgan sampling formula while a descriptive survey was used to gather information. The target population was youth, women and persons with disability funded projects. Primary data (qualitative and quantitative) was collected from indicated target groups using a closed format questionnaire while secondary data was obtained from government monitoring and evaluation reports. Statistical Package for the Social Science tool assisted in descriptive data analysis and the outcome presented using frequencies cross tabulation and percentages. Research findings showed that stakeholder involvement, level of funding, management and capacity building had an influence in the implementation of government affirmative action projects of Uwezo beneficiaries.51.4% of stakeholders were largely involved in the implementation of Uwezo Fund projects. Communication ,planning and organization also played a big role in management of projects with 64.9 % of teams doing moderate planning of their activities.75.7% of project teams had undergone training which impacted 78.6% of their ventures.78.4 % of the groups had received 31% and above of financial support from Uwezo and attributed success of their projects to the funds. The study will impact the way government affirmative action funds are managed to achieve the greatest impact in sustainable development in Kenya and globally. The study finally recommended that government affirmative action oversight boards build on the already established programmes to achieve higher impact.