Artificial Intelligence Adoption and Project Performance at Safaricom Foundation, Kenya

Abstract

Nonprofit organizations worldwide continue to experience project implementation challenges such as cost overruns, schedule delays, and inconsistent outcomes. The Safaricom Foundation, Kenya’s largest nonprofit organization implementing community development projects, faces similar challenges despite its substantial resources. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of Artificial Intelligence (AI) adoption on project performance at Safaricom Foundation. The study sought to determine the influence of Machine Learning (ML), Natural Language Processing (NLP), and Predictive Analytics (PA) on project performance and to assess the moderating effect of organizational culture on this relationship. The study was anchored on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), which explains how users’ perceptions of usefulness and ease of use influence technology adoption. An explanatory research design was employed, and data were collected from 196 respondents selected through stratified random sampling. Descriptive statistics summarized the data, while Pearson correlation and multiple regression analyses tested the hypotheses. The results showed that AI adoption significantly improved project performance, with Machine Learning having the strongest effect, followed by Predictive Analytics and NLP. Organizational culture significantly moderated the relationship, with innovation-oriented and adaptable cultures amplifying AI’s positive impact. The study concluded that AI technologies enhance efficiency, decision-making, and stakeholder satisfaction in nonprofit projects when supported by leadership commitment and innovation-friendly culture. The study recommended investment in staff training, fostering technological adaptability, and building strategic partnerships to strengthen sustainable AI integration.