Stakeholder Involvement and Infrastructure Projects Implementation at Kenya Ports Authority

Abstract

This study sought to examine stakeholder involvement and implementation of infrastructure projects in Kenya Ports Authority. The specific objectives were to examine the influence of stakeholder empowerment, stakeholder communication and stakeholder grievance management on the implementation of infrastructure projects in Kenya Ports Authority. Implementation of projects at KPA has had challenges such as unmet timelines, cost overruns, scope variations and compensation demand by the local community. Theories that anchored this study are stakeholder theory, empowerment theory, game theory and communication theory. The study employed descriptive survey research design. The cadres of target population included persons in port electrical engineering, projects development and management, civil engineering, container operations, and conventional cargo operations departments totalling to 3,336 persons. The study used stratified sampling approach and the sample size was 358 persons. A structured questionnaire, containing close-ended questions was employed as the primary tool for data collection. Validity of the instruments was ensured using content validity, construct validity and face validity. Cronbach alpha coefficient test was used to test the reliability of the instrument. Microsoft Excel software and Statistical Package for Social Scientists software were used for data analysis. Multiple Regression analysis was used to determine the relationships and significance between independent and dependent variables. Tables and charts were used in the presentation of findings. The study established that stakeholder empowerment, communication and grievance management had a positive and significant effect on project implementation. This study concluded that stakeholder empowerment increases the ability and confidence of stakeholders to make choices and decisions. Effective communication helps the organization to build positive relationships with the project stakeholders whereas management of grievances provide a way to reduce projects’ risk, provide an effective avenue for expressing concerns and promote a mutually constructive relationship towards implementation of projects. The study recommended that stakeholders be empowered by allowing them to participate in decision making. Giving them more control over what happens in their work environment through control over work tasks, work pace and freedom from supervision. Project managers should establish regular communication with stakeholders and create a positive understanding to help build effective long-term relationships with key project stakeholders. The organization should adopt a structured mechanism for management of grievances that will be known to all employees.