Effect of Project Planning Practices on Project Performance of the Integrated Housing Project in Laikipia County, Kenya

Abstract

This study examined the effect of project planning practices on the performance of the Integrated Housing Project implemented by Habitat for Humanity Kenya (HFHK) in Laikipia County, Kenya. Effective project planning is widely acknowledged as the single most critical foundation of project success, yet empirical evidence specifically linking planning practices to integrated housing project performance in rural NGO-led contexts in Kenya remains limited. A descriptive case study research design was adopted targeting 128 respondents comprising HFHK project staff, community beneficiaries, and local government representatives. A census approach was employed and 101 completed questionnaires were returned, representing a 79% response rate. Structured questionnaires with five-point Likert-scale items measured project planning practices and project performance. Data were analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics Version 26 through descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation analysis, and simple linear regression. Diagnostic tests confirmed normality (Shapiro-Wilk, p = 0.365), absence of multicollinearity (VIF < 2.0), linearity (Ramsey RESET, p = 0.434), and homoscedasticity (Breusch-Pagan, p = 0.380) prior to regression analysis. Project planning practices had a strong, positive, and statistically significant effect on project performance (β = 0.582, p < 0.05), explaining 33.9% of the variance in project performance (R² = 0.339, Adjusted R² = 0.332, F = 51.234, p < 0.05). Descriptive findings showed a high overall mean of 4.10 (SD = 0.72), indicating strong agreement that planning was systematic, participatory, and adaptive. Among all planning dimensions, regular plan review and updating recorded the highest mean (4.13), followed by clear timelines and deliverables (4.12) and use of appropriate planning tools (4.11). Development organizations should invest in comprehensive, participatory, and adaptive project planning processes that incorporate risk assessment, community needs analysis, and regular plan reviews. Structured planning frameworks significantly enhance coordination, resource efficiency, timely delivery, and beneficiary satisfaction in integrated housing projects.