Thesis:

Influence of leadership practices on project performance of water projects in Kiambu county, Kenya

Kiambu County Government's commitment to addressing water supply challenges in the region has been evident through numerous water projects initiated by 2022. These projects encompass a wide range of interventions, from constructing treatment facilities to expanding distribution networks, with the core objective of providing consistent access to clean and safe water, crucial for public health and sanitation. Despite substantial investments, challenges in funding, resource management, infrastructure reliability, and water quality maintenance persist. Climate change, especially recurrent droughts, further strains water resources, potentially affecting supply reliability. Community participation and stakeholder satisfaction are integral to project success, but deficiencies in these areas hinder overall performance. This study aims to evaluate the impact of leadership practices on the performance of water projects in Kiambu County, Kenya, with a focus on leadership in the public sector. The study was guided by the following specific research objectives: to assess how effective communication influences the performance of water projects in Kiambu County, Kenya; to examine the role of inclusive management in influencing the performance of water projects in Kiambu County, Kenya; and to evaluate the impact of supervisory skills on the performance of water projects in Kiambu County, Kenya. This study draws on several theoretical frameworks, including social exchange theory, social identity theory, and transformational leadership theory, to provide a solid foundation for understanding the dynamics of leadership practices and their impact on water project performance. The chosen research design for this study is descriptive, aiming to offer a comprehensive understanding of the key factors involved. The target population comprises 75 project managers engaged in 15 water projects within Kiambu County. Data primarily was collected through semi-structured questionnaires. Subsequently, various statistical measures such as frequencies, percentages, means, standard deviation, correlation analysis, and regression analysis was employed to derive meaningful insights regarding the relationship between leadership practices and project performance. This research contributed to the broader understanding of how effective leadership can enhance the success of water projects, particularly in the public sector. The findings reveal that a positive and significant relationship between communication and project performance in Kiambu water projects (R=0.812, sig=0.000). There was a positive and significant relationship between Inclusive Management and Project Performance on water projects in Kiambu County, Kenya (R = 0.759, Sig=0.000). results also show existence of a positive and significant relationship between Supervisory Skills and Project Performance on water projects in Kiambu County (R = 0.701, Sig=0.000). Recommendations include enhancing communication channels, promoting inclusivity, strengthening supervisory skills, and prioritizing sustainability practices. These findings contribute valuable insights for project managers, policymakers, and stakeholders in the water sector, emphasizing the need for holistic approaches to achieve successful project outcomes and long-lasting community benefits. Further research is recommended to explore additional factors influencing project performance and to examine the role of technology and policy in water project management.