Community Participation in Corporate Social Responsibility Projects: The Case of Mumias Sugar Company, Kenya

Abstract

This study examined community participation in projects funded by Mumias Sugar Company in Mumias Division under Corporate Social Responsibility. The study objectives were to identify the Corporate Social Responsibility projects funded by Mumias Sugar Company and determine the levels of community participation therein. Research design was descriptive and explanatory case study and considered both primary and secondary data. Interviews were used to collect data and the questions comprised of structured and semi - structured and administered by the researcher. The researcher made physical observations on actual operations of projects funded under CSR. Secondary data was obtained from available official company and government records, both published and unpublished sources. Targeted Population comprises 283 households. Due to homogeneity of community members, 125 households from the target population were sampled using multi- stage sampling. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. The levels of community participation were analyzed using a five point scale by use of SPSS and Excel. The results were presented in tables and graphs and the researcher made interpretation, conclusion and finally drew effective recommendations. The study revealed that Mumias Sugar Company (MSC) supported Corporate Social Responsibility as a marketing strategy with low community participation. Also, MSC sponsored what the community needed as philanthropic donations but there was low participation of community members in all stages of such projects' management. The study recommends that MSC should avail information on CSR programmes inclusive of their funding to the community members for effective governance. MSC should establish a research and development section which would be essential in determining the viability, acceptability and participation of community members in the CSR committee, initiatives and projects meant for the community and avoid any form of elite capture.