Perceptions about the factors that influence public participation in rural Kenya

Abstract

The aim of this study was to establish the factors influencing participation of the public in development projects in Wote-Nziu ward in the context of a devolved governance system. The objectives of the study were to establish the impact of socio-economic factors, political factors and demographic characteristics on public participation in development projects. The study sample was comprised 85 respondents sampled from the general population within Wote/Nziu ward. In addition, 15 Key informants were drawn from Project Management Committees (PMC) and 9 focus group discussions were with the committee members drawn from the various projects within the ward that are initiated and implemented by the County Government of Makueni. Analysis of the data collected, that is, correlation between independent and dependent variables revealed positive values of correlation coefficients (R). The study findings revealed that demographic characteristics, socioeconomic and political factors influence the level of public participation in development activities of the residents of Wote-Nziu Ward in Makueni County. Comparatively, however, political factors have more influence on public participation. The study concludes that residents and the County Government of Makueni have embraced public participation as a tool to meaningfully engage in development initiatives in a devolved system of governance.