Management in Implementation of Government Sponsored Projects in Kenya: A Survey oF Fish Ponds Projects in Gatundu South District- Kenya

Abstract

The principal aim of the study was to assess the influence of scope management as a tool in project management in implementation of government funded projects to establish if such projects apply the PMBOK® (2000) recommended techniques of defining scope, planning for the scope and change control mechanisms in place as such projects progress. The study focused on fish ponds projects in Gatundu south District in Kenya which were under Economic Stimulus Program, a government initiative to address issues of food sustainability, unemployment and overall economic growth of the economy. The study was motivated by the observation that the projects were initiated as pilot projects in 140 constituencies which were later to be rolled out in other constituencies in the country. However some of the projects didn't achieve their intended objectives. The study targeted the 200 fish pond projects Gatundu south District where a sample of 20 fish pond projects were identified and formed the sample. The respondents for the study were the fish pond owners. Questionnaires were prepared and hand delivered to the respondents to assist in data collection which was later analyzed through descriptive statistics and presented with frequency tables. Among the parameters probed were projects scope definition which included stakeholder's involvement in projects designing, quality and sources of water for the ponds, source of feeds, and training of the farmers before initiation of the projects. The nature of planning for the projects studied included the sustainability of the projects in terms of continues supply of water and feeds, marketing structures in place for the produce and public sensitization as the projects progressed. Change control mechanisms considered included flood and drought mitigation structures, change in pond specifications and variations in feed. From the study what emerged

Project Implementation Process and Performance of Indigenous Chicken Projects Sponsored by Agricultural Sector Development Support Programme, Machakos County, Kenya

“…Implementation process is required in achieving performance ofprojects (Javed, Mahmood & Sulaiman(2012). Findings by Javed et al, (2012) indicates that planning, resources, people are required in achieving performance which grounds the fact that to improve performance of indigenous chicken projects, planning, resources, utilization of resources which is done in execution should be ensured.Further Nganga and Amuhaya (2013) study on management in implementation of government sponsored projects in Kenya indicated planning to play a big role in successful execution. Likewise Siyaya and Masuku (2013) indicated poor planning during implementation of project to cause poor performance of indigenous chicken projects.From the literature reviewed, no study has been done showing how project implementation process influence performance of indigenous chicken projects in Machakos County.…”

Effect of End Users Involvement in the Perfomance of Economic Stimulus Projects of Fish Farming in Kirinyaga County

“…In Kenya, Economic Stimulus Programme was an initiative of the Kenyan government in 2009 to provide an impetus for economic recovery, growth and renewed opportunities, (Yohi, 2010). Gitonga (2013) notes that; the 2007/2008 post-election violence in the Kenyan economy coupled with prolonged drought, oil and food crisis and the effects of 2008/2009 global economic crisis called for quick measures to jumpstart the Kenyan economy which slowed down to 1.7% as compared to 7.1% at the end of 2007 ,towards long term growth and development. The shrinked economy was characterized by decline in agricultural production and slowing down of economic activities in the key growth sectors of tourism and construction that necessitated an immediate action by the government to salvage the situation, (Yohi, 2010).…”

“…The ESP in Kenya was intended to be short term-medium term, high intensity and high impact project in which resources were to be invested to bear short term and long term benefits to stimulate the growth of Kenyan economy through rapid creation of jobs and business opportunities, (Yohi, 2010). The Economic Stimulus Programs were funded by the government in collaboration with Official Development Aids donors (Gitonga, 2013).…”

“…In order to come up with the Economic plan ,experts assessed two critical components ;the potential of the different sectors for economic impact and the feasibility of unlocking that potential for the benefits of economic growth ,employment and poverty eradication (Government of Kenya, 2009).So the programme was focused on sections that would generate maximum benefits, restore confidence of Kenyan's and assist the business community to weather the storm, while also protecting the livelihood of the poor and creating employment for the youths. Gitonga (2013) indicate that the Ministry of finance came up with Economic Stimulus Program with a total of 22 Billion Kenya shillings (260 million US$), with the money going towards the construction of schools, horticultural markets, jua kali sheds, fisheries projects among others in order to boost the Country's economy, invest in long term solution to food security challenges, expand economic opportunities in rural areas among others. This would transform the state of Kenyans in which Cooper (2013) says that an average man in Kenya earns less than US$ 1.50 per day and work is even scarce at that rate.…”

“…According to Amenya et al ( 2013), the ESP in Kenya was intended to be in line with Vision 2030 which strives to; reduce the number of people living in poverty and guarantee equality of opportunities, increase the opportunities for the youth, women and disadvantaged groups, improve delivery of social services among others. Gitonga (2013), notes that the Kenya government has invested a lot in projects all over the Country targeting the youth and women in achieving its Vision 2030 goals. The constitution of Kenya also reaffirms the government commitment to deal with unemployment challenges for instance, in Chapter 41 of the constitution; every person has a right to fair labour practices, (Republic of Kenya, 2010).…”