Thesis:

Influence of project risk management practices on performance of agricultural projects in Kenya: case of Ekaterra tea Kenya PLC

The Kenya’s agricultural sector, though vital to economic growth and food security, faces persistent risks due to inadequate adoption of project risk management (PRM) practices, particularly among major firms such as Ekaterra Tea Kenya PLC. This study investigated the influence of PRM practices—specifically project risk identification, assessment, response planning, and monitoring/control—on the performance of agricultural projects at Ekaterra Tea Kenya PLC in Kericho County. Guided by Contingency Theory, Stakeholder Theory, and Resource-Based View, the study utilized a quantitative, cross-sectional design. Data were collected via a census survey from managers of all 70 agricultural projects within the firm. Descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression were used for analysis. The regression results showed that combined PRM practices accounted for 48.4% of the variation in project performance (R² = 0.484; F (4, 63) = 14.751, p< .001), indicating a statistically significant model. All four PRM practices had positive and significant effects: risk identification (b = 0.063, t = 1.406, p = .002), risk assessment (b = 0.194, t = 4.399, p< .001), risk response planning (b = 0.198, t = 4.041, p < .001), and risk monitoring/control (b = 0.075, t = 1.811, p = .007). Among these, risk response planning had the strongest influence on project performance. The study concludes that structured and systematic PRM practices significantly enhance the performance of agricultural projects. Recommendations include the development of national guidelines for risk identification, mandatory training programs, investment in risk assessment tools, inclusion of stakeholders in planning, and regular risk audits. Policymakers, project managers, and other stakeholders should collaborate to institutionalize these practices, thereby strengthening the resilience and productivity of agricultural projects. Future research should examine long-term effects, broader industry contexts, and mediating variables in PRM adoption and effectiveness.