INFLUENCE OF STAKEHOLDER PARTICIPATION IN PROJECT IDENTIFICATION ON THE SUSTAINABILITY OF COMMUNITY BASED PROJECTS IN BUSIA COUNTY, KENYA

Abstract

Despite numerous development interventions in Busia County, Kenya, community-
based projects face persistent sustainability challenges, with many failings after initial funding
cycles due to limited stakeholder participation in project identification processes. This study
aimed to establish the influence of stakeholder participation in project identification on the
sustainability of community-based projects in Busia County, Kenya. The study sought to
evaluate how community involvement in needs assessment, feasibility studies, stakeholder
analysis, and priority setting affects project sustainability outcomes. The study was grounded
in Freeman's Stakeholder Theory (1984), which emphasizes that organizational success
depends on effectively managing relationships with all parties who can affect or are affected by
organizational activities. A descriptive survey design was employed, targeting 39 community-
based projects completed between 2017-2022. Using a census approach, 117 respondents
including project managers, community leaders, and beneficiaries were selected. Data was
collected through structured questionnaires using Likert scales and analyzed using SPSS
version 24.0, applying descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation, and multiple regression
analysis. The study achieved an 87.2% response rate. Stakeholder participation in project
identification showed moderate levels (M=3.62, SD=0.785). Regression analysis revealed a
strong positive relationship (R=0.734) between stakeholder participation and project
sustainability, with 63.4% of variance in sustainability outcomes explained by stakeholder
participation (R²=0.634). The model was statistically significant (F=3.044, p=0.023), indicating
that each unit increase in stakeholder participation improves sustainability outcomes by 0.308
units (β=0.308, p=0.002). Stakeholder participation in project identification significantly drives
project sustainability in Busia County, particularly when community ideas are integrated into
project design. Organizations should establish formalized community engagement structures,
implement systematic needs assessment processes, and develop capacity building programs to
enhance effective stakeholder participation in project identification.

Citation: Mganda, M. T., & Gachengo, Dr. L. (2025). Influence of Stakeholder Participation in Project Identification On the Sustainability of Community Based Projects in Busia County, Kenya. Academic Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences Research, 2(1). https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17068952