COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF RURAL ELECTRIFICATION PROJECTS KWALE COUNTY, KENYA

Felix Kipkogei Limo, Dr. Yusuf Wanjala Muchelule

Abstract


Implementation of rural electricity programmes has been a challenge to the government with only 36% of the rural population having access to electricity. The current state of rural electrification in Kwale County, Kenya is a significant concern, with data from the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) indicating that only 18.5% of rural households in Kwale County have access to electricity. This lack of access to electricity in rural areas has significant implications for socio-economic development and poverty reduction. There is a growing body of literature on the importance of stakeholder involvement in the implementation of projects. There is however limited research on the specific role of stakeholder involvement in rural electrification projects in Kwale County, Kenya. The present study aimed to fill gaps in the literature by providing an in-depth examination of the influence of stakeholder involvement on the implementation of rural electrification projects in Kwale County, Kenya. The study was guided by the following specific objectives; to determine influence of community engagement on implementation of rural electrification projects Kwale County, Kenya. This study was guided by Theory of Change. This study adopted a descriptive research design. The study targeted 137 county employees including county secretary, deputy county secretary, CECs, Chief officers, directors, deputy directors, assistant directors and office secretaries. Due to the small size of the study population, the census sampling approach was used. Therefore, the sample size for the study was 137 respondents. This research used a questionnaire to collect primary data. Fourteen questionnaires were piloted that represented 10% of the target population. The pilot group was selected from Kilifi County because they share similar characteristics with its neighbor, Kwale County. The study collected quantitative data which was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24. Multivariate linear regression was used to determine the relationship between the dependent and independent variables. The study found that community engagement positively and significantly relates with implementation of rural electrification projects Kwale County, Kenya. Based on the findings, the study recommends emphasize on community engagement and involvement of community leaders, community-based organizations, and government. Encourage informed participation from local residents to increase community ownership and improve outcomes.

Key Words: stakeholder involvement, rural electrification projects, stakeholder involvement 


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