Influence of project governance on implementation of Flagship projects; a case of study of Chemususu dam Project, Baringo county, Kenya

Abstract

This study explored the influence of project governance on the implementation of flagship projects, focusing on the Chemususu Dam project in Baringo County. The objectives were to assess the impact of stakeholder management, project monitoring, decision-making processes, and governance structures. The study was guided by stewardship theory, contingency theory, prospect theory, and stakeholder theory. A descriptive research design was adopted, with 102 respondents selected using Yamane’s formula. Data was collected through questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS (version 25), with both descriptive and inferential statistics applied. Results showed that stakeholder management (mean = 4.26) and project monitoring (mean = 4.00) were key contributors to successful implementation, though challenges in timeliness (mean = 2.65) and budget adherence (mean = 3.06) were significant. Governance structures were well-defined (mean = 4.33), but areas like regulatory compliance and steering committee involvement needed improvement. Decision-making was transparent (70.2%) and data-driven (71.4%), although some information gaps were noted. Inferential statistics revealed strong correlations between governance structures (r = 0.741, p < 0.01) and stakeholder management (r = 0.671, p < 0.01), which together explained 60.4% of the project implementation variability. The study concluded that effective governance and stakeholder engagement were critical to the success of the Chemususu Dam project. The study recommended that future projects prioritize realistic timelines and budget plans, with regular reviews to ensure adherence and mitigate delays and cost overruns. It also emphasized the importance of enhancing stakeholder involvement in risk identification and decision-making, suggesting that proactive consultations would help address concerns and improve project outcomes. Additionally, strengthening governance procedures, particularly around regulatory compliance and steering committee involvement, was identified as crucial, with a focus on ensuring that roles and responsibilities are clearly communicated and adhered to for more effective project management.