Determinants of Completion Time of Projects Funded From Constituency Development Fund in Kenya: A Survey of Projects in Ainamoi Constituency

Abstract

Projects are hardly completed as scheduled. The purpose of this study was to identify factors that influence projects completion time of CDF funded projects in Ainamoi Constituency, Kericho County. In the year 2012/13, a total of 74 community cent red projects were initiated to benefit the community. Out of these,only 22 (29.73%) had been completed as scheduled. This study intended to investigate factors that might have led to low completion rate with the intention of improving efficiency and effectiveness on projects management. The literature covered existing theoretical and empirical literature that relate CDF projects in relation to projects identification, scheduling, funding, good governance and rate of projects completion. There existed no comprehensive studies on the factors influencing completion rates of projects funded by the devolved CDF funds in Kenya. This was an attempt to provide a case study of factors influencing rate of project completion at the devolved level. The study adapted both qualitative and quantitative research approaches; and utilized descriptive survey to establish associations between variables. Questionnaires were used to collect data from the targeted population. The sampling frame used was the CDF projects management structure which constitutes 7 members representing each community center. Probability Proportion to Size (PPS) method was used to draw 5 respondents from the 14 community centers where every respondent had an equal selection opportunity. Data analysis resulted into a positive correlation between the dependent variable and independent variables. Community participation fully explained the rate of project completion. From the findings 70.26% of the projects had not been completed, thus only 29.73% have been completed. From the completed projects, 100% of the projects were not completed in time stipulated.. Funds should be disbursed as soon as the projects have been accepted.  CDF office should be able to adhere to the timely funding of projects. The study recommends a need for capacity building and recruitment of skilled PMC staff for effective governance of projects activities.

Keywords: Projects Completion Time Factors