Influence of Stakeholder Assessment on the Implementation of County Integrated Development Plans in Nakuru County, Kenya

Abstract

Abstract Statement of the Problem: County Integrated Development Plans (CIDPs) serve as the primary framework for resource allocation and development planning in Kenya's devolved governance system. However, Nakuru County faces significant implementation challenges, with 40% of 2018-2022 CIDP projects experiencing delays, 25% of which were attributed to inadequate stakeholder consultation, resulting in an estimated financial loss of KSh 10 billion and exclusion of 45% of residents from planning processes. Purpose of the Study: The purpose of this study was to establish the influence of stakeholder assessment on the implementation of the County Integrated Development Plan in Nakuru County, Kenya. Research Methodology: The study adopted a correlational research design targeting 258 stakeholders involved in CIDP implementation in Nakuru County. A sample of 78 respondents was selected using purposive and stratified random sampling techniques. Primary data was collected through structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics (means, standard deviations, frequencies, percentages) and inferential statistics (Pearson's correlation, multiple linear regression) with SPSS Version 29. Findings: The results revealed a strong positive correlation (r = 0.864, p < 0.01) between stakeholder assessment and CIDP implementation. The regression analysis showed that stakeholder assessment significantly influences CIDP implementation (β = 0.438, p < 0.05) and explains 82.8% of the variance in implementation outcomes (R² = 0.828). However, gaps were identified in incorporating stakeholder influence (mean = 3.10), which corresponds with project timeliness challenges (mean = 2.90). Recommendations: The study recommends that Nakuru County Government should adopt structured stakeholder mapping tools to systematically analyze stakeholder interests, power, and influence, with particular emphasis on addressing the identified gap in influence incorporation. County officials should receive training in stakeholder analysis methodologies and establish quarterly public forums to enhance engagement with marginalized groups, including rural farmers and informal settlement residents. The county should also use digital platforms for wider engagement and set up monitoring systems to track project quality, alignment, and timeliness.