Determinants of Completion Rate of County Government Funded Projects in Kenya; a Case of Urban Infrastructure Projects in Kisii Town, Kisii County

Abstract

More often than not, it has been established that the devolved funds are not objectively employed for successful completion of developmental projects. Delays and non-completion of projects from initial cost plan has been prevalent on government sponsored projects. In Kisii town the situation has not been different, delays and non-completion of projects from initial cost plan has been prevalent on urban infrastructure funded by the county government.However, there has been no particular research to address the problem of completion of urban infrastructure projects funded by the county government which has been so rampant. The purpose of the study is to examine the determinants of completion of county government funded urban infrastructure projects in Kisii town, Kenya. The study was guided by the following research objectives; to establish the influence of availability of finances, Project Plans, manpower and stakeholder’s participation on completion of county government funded urban infrastructure projects in Kisii town, Kenya. In order to clearly examine the topic of research, descriptive survey research design was used. This method of research is preferred because a researcher was able to collect data to answer questions concerning the current status of urban infrastructure projects in Kisii town. The respondents were stratified in two categories such as the project beneficiaries and key informants. Census sampling technique was used to select key informants, county government officials and project beneficiaries. A sample size of 68 was selected. The study information was collected by use of interview schedules, questionnaires, document analysis and focus group discussions (FGDs). The collected data was analyzed using both qualitative and quantitative techniques to ensure triangulation. Qualitative data was analyzed using thematic data analysis taking into account common words, phrases, themes and patterns in order to enhance understanding (content analysis) in line with the study objectives. This research has established that urban infrastructure project completion rate in Kisii town, Kisii County is faced with major constraints ranging from funding, project planning, availability of skilled manpower and stakeholders participation. County funded urban infrastructure projects are affected by the financial constraints during the time of their implementation. Before the commencement of any project, there should be proper planning as this will greatly determine its successful completion. Poor project planning can easily bring down response strategies where they are at completion stage. The county government should make sure that enough funds are available based on reliable estimate made prior to the inception urban infrastructure projects. Where funds from the national government is not sufficient, they should source for funds from donors, fundraising and county taxation to add more revenue. The county leadership ought to ensure that the major stakeholders of the county are involved in the county programs for inclusivity and allowing them to own the projects.