Factors affecting the implementation of community based projects in informal settlement in Kenya: A case study of Lea Toto Project in Zimmerman, Kiambu County

Abstract

The main purpose of this study was to investigate the factors affecting the implementation of Community Based Projects in Informal Settlements with reference to Lea Toto Project in Zimmermann Informal Settlement. Descriptive research design was used in the study. The target population was 81 but only 70 respondents were used as the sample population. The population selected comprises of the registered beneficiaries and the program staff. Data was collected using questionnaires and analyzed to draw conclusions. Sample was collected using systematic random sampling. The data was presented using the main purpose of this study was to investigate the factors affecting the implementation of Community Based Projects in Informal Settlements with reference to Lea Toto Project in Zimmermann Informal Settlement. Descriptive research design was used in the study. The target population was 81 but only 70 respondents were used as the sample population. The population selected comprises of the registered beneficiaries and the program staff. Data was collected using questionnaires and analyzed to draw conclusions. Sample was collected using systematic random sampling. The data was presented using tables, bar graphs and pie charts.

The study was carried out specifically in Zimmermann’s informal settlements due to quick access, a factor favoring resource and time constraints. The study found out that with appropriate managerial skills, project managers in conjunction with the whole project team can successfully attain their project goals efficiently and effectively.

The study found out that 85% of the respondents agreed that managerial skills are important in project implementation.75% of the respondents agreed that there was a very high involvement of the community members in the project. 77% of the respondents indicated that there was a high effect of funding on project implementation.54% of the respondents agreed that government policy affects project implementation at very high rate and 36% agreed that government policy had a high effect. The researcher recommended that training should be done to improve the employee’s skills, supporting the employees through further education and fair promotion. Community members should be involved from initiation of the project to its completion. They must be consulted in planning the intervention and in designing the strategies as well as in decision making .Community based organizations should have alternative sources of funds to avoid inconveniences caused by donor withdrawal of funding. Government and donor guidelines should be harmonized to ensure that all projects are community need driven and enhance and contribute towards achieving common goal.bles, bar graphs and pie charts. The study was carried out specifically in Zimmermann’s informal settlements due to quick access, a factor favoring resource and time constraints. The study found out that with appropriate managerial skills, project managers in conjunction with the whole project team can successfully attain their project goals efficiently and effectively. The study found out that 85% of the respondents agreed that managerial skills are important in project implementation.75% of the respondents agreed that there was a very high involvement of the community members in the project. 77% of the respondents indicated that there was a high effect of funding on project implementation.54% of the respondents agreed that government policy affects project implementation at very high rate and 36% agreed that government policy had a high effect. The researcher recommended that training should be done to improve the mployee’s skills, supporting the employees through further education and fair promotion. Community members should be involved from initiation of the project to its completion. They must be consulted in planning the intervention and in designing the strategies as well as in decision making .Community based organizations should have alternative sources of funds to avoid inconveniences caused by donor withdrawal of funding. Government and donor guidelines should be harmonized to ensure that all projects are community need driven and enhance and contribute towards achieving common goal.