Assesing The Effects of Community Participation on Project Sustainability: A Case of Kaani Water Purification Plant in Kathiani Sub-County, Kenya

Abstract

Participation in the community is essential in fostering a sense of belonging among participants. Project sustainability depends on this sense of ownership because it fosters greater dedication, accountability, and shared accountability for results. Despite significant investments in development initiatives aimed at fostering progress, many projects have struggled to attain long-term sustainability due to limited community involvement. Researchers have emphasized the importance of community participation in fostering a sense of ownership over projects. However, the specific effects of this participation on project sustainability remain uncertain. There is a dearth of literature examining how community participation influences project sustainability. This empirical gap prompted the current study to evaluate the impact of community participation on project sustainability in Kathiani Subcounty, Machakos County. The study sought to determine the levels of community participation in the management of the plant, factors hindering community participation, the relationship between effective community participation and project sustainability and to assess strategies that could be adopted to promote effective community participation in the Kaani water purification plant. Community participation is essential in order to advance democratic decision-making processes on issues impacting the community. By involving communities in the process, initiatives gain more credibility and give them the ability to stand up for their own rights and interests. Conducting this research was crucial because community participation plays a vital role in the successful implementation and sustainability of community-based projects. The study employed two theories; Arnstein's Ladder of Community Participation, which categorizes levels of public engagement in decision-making processes into eight distinct rungs, ranging from non-participation to full citizen control, along with the Empowerment theory that focuses on enhancing the autonomy and self-determination of individuals and communities, enabling them to gain control over their lives and address systemic barriers that contribute to their marginalization. The study utilized a descriptive research design. The target population consisted of 585 individuals, with a sample size of 181 respondents. Systematic random sampling was employed to select the sample. Data collection was conducted through interview schedules and key informant interview guides. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS version 24.0.0, while qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis, which identified thematic areas during the interviews. The researcher captured the community's perspectives and included direct quotes in the findings based on these themes. The study found that community participation in the Kaani water purification plant was at the citizen power category characterized by citizen control, delegated power and partnership levels. Key barriers to active participation included economic challenges, time constraints, exclusion from decision-making processes and age among others. There was a relationship between community participation levels and project sustainability indicated by a p-value of <0.001. To promote effective community involvement, strategies such as transparency in decision-making processes, access to information incentives, and inclusive participation were identified. The study recommended implementing awareness-creation and capacity-building initiatives, inclusive participation and feedback mechanisms to enhance participation and ensure sustainability.