Project Management Skills and the Implementation of Land Settlement Schemes Programs in Kenya: a Case of Lamu County

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to establish now project management practices play an important role in influencing the implementation of land settlement schemes programs in Kenya; A case of Lamu County. The study was guided by four study variables as part of the objectives: resource availability, stakeholders participation, technical expertise,and conflict management strategies and how all of them influence the implementation of land settlement schemes in Lamu County, Kenya.The study adopted a descriptive survey design. The study findings were based on 91 respondents purposively selected.Questionnaire was used as the main instrument for data collection.The respondents were assured of confidentiality since none was compelled to reveal their identity. The completed questionnaires were edited for completeness and consistency before data analysis. Quantitative data collected was analyzed using SPSS version 25.0 and presented through percentages, means, frequencies, and cross tabulation. The hypothesis was tested by use of multiple regression analysis. Results indicated that, a mean score of 3.91 and standard deviation of 0.502 indicated that majority of the respondents supported the idea that resources availability influences the implementation of land scheme programs in Lamu County.Further, results indicated that, in relation to a nominal rated question which required respondents to use a yes or no answer to support or deny the idea that stakeholders’ participation has been used as a tool of ensuring that the projects within the resettlement program are achieved, majority of the respondents (97.14%) supported the idea.In relation to third objective that sought to determine the influence of technical expertise in the implementation of land settlement schemes in Lamu County, a mean score of 3.98 and SD=0.601 indicated that technical expertise influences the implementation of these projects. A mean score of 4.41 and SD=0.621 indicated that majority of the respondents strongly agreed that conflict management is a major issue surrounding the implementation of land settlement scheme programs in Lamu County. The study was intended to inform both the County and National Governments of how availability of resources is important in implementation of land settlement schemes andthe importance of peaceful dispute resolutions in the implementation of land settlement schemes. Key Words: Resources Availability; Stakeholder Participation: Technical Skills: and Conflict Management