Abstract:
The problem of project failure is very common in developing Countries. This is because there seems to be external and internal factors that affect the implementation phase of the projects, hence leading to the low rate of project completion among civil society organizations in Kenya which is merely below 50%. Therefore this study was directed towards investigating the nature; quality, extent and value of those factors with an aim of making recommendations that can assist in smooth implementation of projects hence reducing the rate of project failure, especially among civil society organizations. The study was carried out in Taita-Taveta District of Coast Province, with a total of 213 respondents out of the 708 registered members selected both systematically and purposively depending on their role and position in the organization, the project and the
community.The study encompassed 10 civil society organizations, purposively selected owing to their presence in the entire district, years in developmental activities and operations in other districts. A sample of two projects per organization were purposively selected regarding to sector development e.g. health, gender education, etc. Data was collected by use of questionnaires, interview schedules and secondary sources. Interviews were conducted in both the implementing organizations and communities where the projects had been initiated. Descriptive statistics, percentage, frequencies,graphical methods and tables were used where applicable in analyzing, presenting and describing the factors under study with Chi-square used in testing the hypothesis at <5%
significance level. The study findings showed that there existed a significant relationship between project awareness and the rate of project implementation success. Secondly,there was a significant association between community participation and the rate of project success. Thirdly there was a significant
relationship between project environment and the rate of project implementation success. The study recommends that people who are to benefit from the project should be mobilized and made aware of the project from its conception stage. It also recommended that Organizations be encouraged to start projects that ensure people reap maximum benefits because respondents actively participated in projects that they were getting individual benefits. It's also recommended that implementing organizations should keenly take audit of all environmental factors that are likely to affect the project with a view to mitigating or reducing the effects. These must be given due considerations during the project conception stage, so as to ensure that the projects run smoothly through the implementation stage and the anticipated benefits are realized.
