The first objective of the study was to determine the influence of community participation in project planning on economic development projects in Kajiado west Sub County, Kenya. From the descriptive statistics, the average mean score of the questions in the questionnaire was 3.96. This implied that most respondents disagreed with the questions of community participation in project planning projects in Kajiado west Sub County.
Besides, the correlation analysis showed that participation in project planning and economic development projects was positively and significantly associated (r=.702, p=.000). Similarly, community participation in project planning was positively and significantly related to economic development projects (β=.188, p=0.002). This was supported by a calculated t-statistic of 3.183 that is larger than the critical t-statistic of 1.96. This meant that a unitary increase in participation in project planning leads to an increase in economic development projects by 0.188 units holding other factors constant.
The results were in agreement with the findings of Njeru and Kimutai (2018) who established that project planning, implementation, process of procurement and distribution of the resources of the projects improved the performance and efficiency of the projects. Also, Woronkowicz (2018) reported that successful implementation of the projects requires, clear objectives, clear needs, a reasonable game plan and accentuation on quality control, quality affirmation and quality improvement.
5.1.2 Community Participation in Project Implementation
The second objective of the study was to establish the influence of community participation in project implementation on economic development projects in Kajiado west sub county, Kenya. Based on the descriptive, the average mean score of the questions about community participation in project implementation was 3.97. This implied that the majority of the respondents disagreed with those question regarding community participation in project implementation in the sub county
Moreover, a positive and significant association exist between participation in project implementation and economic development projects (r=.751, p=.000). Besides, project implementation and economic development projects was positively and significantly related (β=.266, p=0.000). This was supported by a calculated t-statistic of 4.106 that is larger than the critical t-statistic of 1.96. This implied that increase participation in project implementation by one unit would lead to the improvement in economic development projects by 0.266 units holding other factors constant.
The results concur with the findings of Ontita, Mwenzwa and Misati (2013) who established that locals’ involvement in project implementation positively impacted sustainability in a few different ways: it helped to keep the project relevant, important and adjusted to the evolving circumstance; it utilized a more extensive scope of resources, abilities aptitude and recognized plus underpinned the local limits and skills. Furthermore, Okech and Lelegwe (2016) established that community Participation in donor funded projects among pastoral community of northern Kenya is significant for its survival.
5.1.3 Community Participation in Project Monitoring and Evaluation
The third objective of the study was to examine the influence of community participation in monitoring and evaluation on economic development projects in Kajiado West Sub County. From the descriptive statistics, the average mean score of the questions concerning involvement in project monitoring and evaluation was 3.95. This implied that the majority of the respondents disagreed with those questions concerning community participation in project monitoring and evaluation in the sub-county.
Likewise, participation in monitoring & evaluation and economic development projects was positively and significantly associated (r=.836, p=000). Further, the regression results show that monitoring and evaluation was positively and significantly related to economic development projects (β=.387, p=0.000). This was supported by a calculated t-statistic of 4.958 that is larger than the critical t-statistic of 1.96. Thus, an increase in community participation in monitoring and evaluation by one unit will lead to an improvement in economic development projects by 0.387 units holding other factors constant.
The results concur with the findings of Aarseth, Ahola, Aatonen, Okland and Andersen (2017) who found that monitoring and assessment encourages straightforwardness and responsibility of the resources to the partners including donors, project recipients and the more extensive community in which the project is executed. Besides, Gleitsmann, Kroma and Steenhuis (2017) found that monitoring improved the project, the board basic leadership within the implementation thus expanding the chances of good undertaking in project execution. Further, Ntiniya (2016) established that monitoring is very critical and ensures the process of implementation is moving on as intended and if not, the corrective measures are undertaken to minimize any further loss
5.1.4. Community Participation in Project Coordination
The fourth objective of the study was to analyze the influence of community participation in project coordination on economic development projects in Kajiado west sub county, Kenya. As per the descriptive statistics, the average mean score of the responses of project coordination was 4.04. This implied that the majority of the respondents disagreed with the statements of community participation in project coordination in the sub county.
Moreover, participation in coordination and economic development projects was positively and significantly associated (r=.694, p=000). Besides, participation in the coordination of projects was positively and significantly related to economic development projects (β=.195, p=0.004). This was supported by a calculated t-statistic of 2.933 that is larger than the critical t-statistic of 0.05. The results implied that an increase in participation in the coordination of projects by one unit would lead to an improvement in economic development projects by 0.195 units holding other factors constant.
The results concur with the findings of Mwobobia (2013) who found that inclusion of the community in all phases of the project implementation is vital and non-involvement of the community adversely influenced the sustainability of projects. Also, Murungi (2015) established that planning, coordination, monitoring and evaluation of the projects by the community increase its efficiency and completion rate. Moreover, Waweru (2015) established that community participation in project coordination and assessment is positively and significantly related with its sustainability