Project scope as a determinant of methodology of public participation in Bomet County, Kenya

Abstract

Complex decision-making processes require a more informed citizenry that arrives at a mutually agreed upon decision or at least one by which all parties can abide. This calls for public engagement in planning activities. Methodology of engaging the public in planning public participation is crucial for successful planning and the subsequent public participation process aimed to determine a project-specific public participation methodology in Kenya, considering diverse stakeholders, legal aspects, and resource constraints, to enhance engagement strategies aligned with unique project scope. The key issue is the potential discrepancy between project scope and the chosen methodology for public participation, highlighting the need for alignment and effective integration in planning public participation. The study applied the stakeholder theory. A literature review along with field research was undertaken to examine the available information on methodology of public participation and its determinants. In the study, observational methods were utilized, including categorized note-taking during two public forums to observe the proceedings of public participation. Additionally, self-administered questionnaires were distributed. The determined sample size comprised 34 respondents, constituting 20% of the target population of 168 administrators. Random sampling was applied during the pilot study in which interviewees from public officers were randomly selected in the two sub-counties not involved in the main study. The study conducted a comprehensive analysis employing descriptive statistics, ANOVA, and correlation tests to investigate the intricate dynamics within our dataset. ANOVA analysis demonstrated a statistically significant regression model (F = 9.91, p = 0.0000523), affirming the collective impact of independent variables on the dependent variable. Additionally, the correlation test exposed a robust negative correlation of -0.637 between Public Participation (PP) Methodology and Project Scope, highlighting a discernible inverse relationship. These findings collectively contribute valuable insights into the interplay of variables, fostering a deeper understanding of the influence of project scope on the Methodology of Public Participation (MoPP). The study recommends taking into account the project scope when selecting the methodology for public participation.