Stakeholder Involvement and Performance of Mega Dam Projects in Kenya

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to establish how stakeholder involvement relates to the performance of mega dam projects in Kenya. This study was anchored on stakeholder’s theory. Methodology: This study used descriptive and explanatory research design. This study adopted a positivist research paradigm. The unit of analysis was the ongoing and completed dam projects in Kenya while the unit of observation was 361 respondents comprising of 160 employees involved in the projects, 68 national government representatives, 101 project beneficiaries and 32 county government representatives. Due to small size of the target population the study used census method. In this study, primary and secondary data was used. It was collected using a questionnaire. Pilot study was conducted to test the validity and reliability of the data collection instrument. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25 software was used to analyze the data. Qualitative data was analyzed using content analysis and presented in prose form. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential analysis. Descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentages, and means was used. Pearson correlation coefficient was used for testing strength and direction between the independent and the dependent variables. A multiple regression model was used to test the significance of the influence of the independent variables on the dependent variable. The findings were presented in Tables and figures. Findings: The study concluded that stakeholder involvement positively and significantly influences performance of mega dam projects in Kenya. Unique Contribution to Theory, Policy and Practice: Based on the findings, the study recommends that project managers should establish structured and continuous stakeholder engagement forums throughout the project lifecycle. These forums should actively involve local communities, environmental groups, county governments, and development partners to foster transparency, build trust, and ensure that diverse interests are addressed.