Thesis:

Influence of institutional factors on the performance of Nairobi city water and Sewerage Company projects, Kenya

The impact of institutional elements on the project performance of Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company will be examined in this study. The management of financial resources, stakeholder engagement, project communication, and M&E are the independent factors that were examined. Three theories—the logical framework approach, stakeholder theory, and the balanced scorecard model—served as the foundation for this research project. This study employed a mixed research approach. This study targeted non-revenue water department at the Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company (NCWSC). According to the organization (2024), there were 161 employees in the department. All 161 respondents were selected using census sampling. The study utilized both structured and unstructured questionnaires. 10 individuals from the Kiambu Water and Sewerage Company participated in the pilot phase. By implementing a comprehensive literature study, consulting experts, and aligning the questionnaire with the conceptual framework and research objectives, content validity was established. To make sure they produced consistent results, piloted outcomes were assessed. Quantitative representations were created from qualitative data. The SPSS version 28 program was used to analyze the quantitative data. The study concluded that respondents generally perceived NCWSC projects positively, especially regarding water service coverage, but highlighted concerns about project timelines and budget adherence. Challenges in financial resource management were significant, particularly related to budget compliance and report reliability. Positive influences on project performance were noted for project communication, particularly in frequent updates and feedback. Stakeholder participation was viewed favorably, especially in project design and policy formulation, while mixed perceptions emerged regarding the effectiveness of monitoring and evaluation, particularly in addressing theft and beneficiary complaints. The study recommends that the Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company Management enhance project efficiency by implementing regular staff training on effective communication and collaboration. It also suggests improving financial resource management through greater transparency in budgeting and engaging private sector partners. Furthermore, the National Water Harvesting and Storage Authority should develop comprehensive monitoring and evaluation frameworks with clear key performance indicators to effectively address issues like theft, vandalism, and beneficiary complaints.