Stakeholder Management Strategies and Performance of Water Works Development Projects in Northern Kenya
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47941/jepm.3860Keywords:
Stakeholder Management Strategies, Continuous Stakeholder Monitoring, Stakeholder Expectation ManagementAbstract
Purpose: This study sought to examine the influence of stakeholder management strategies on the performance of water works development projects in Northern Kenya. Specifically, the study assessed the effect of continuous stakeholder monitoring, and stakeholder expectation management on project performance.
Methodology: The study adopted a descriptive research design. The target population comprised 87 water works development projects in Northern Kenya, with project managers serving as the unit of observation. A census approach was used to include all 87 project managers. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire with five-point Likert scale items. A pilot study was conducted in Kajiado County to test instrument validity and reliability, including assessment of content validity, construct validity, and internal consistency using Cronbach’s alpha.
Findings: The study also found that continuous stakeholder monitoring is essential for sustaining project performance throughout the project lifecycle. Further, the study found that stakeholder expectation management is the most influential stakeholder management strategy affecting project performance. Thus, Clear communication, transparency, effective grievance handling, and continuous clarification of stakeholder expectations foster stakeholder satisfaction, trust, and commitment to project objectives.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study therefore recommends that project implementing agencies establish structured stakeholder monitoring systems throughout the project lifecycle.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Abdikarim Ibrahim Hassan, Dr. Noor Ismail Shale-Phd
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