Short Biography
Safara Brenda Gunyanyi has over 5 years experience in public service and currently works as a Data Analysist at Migori County Government Department of Economic Planning and Budgeting. Conducting public participation during County Planning and Budgeting is an integral part of her work. She also participates in the development of County plans and budgets. She was instrumental during the development of the 2018-2022 Migori County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP).
She holds Bachelor of Business Administration (Finance) with Information Technology degree from Maseno university. She believes in empowering community members so as to participate effectively in development. This prompted her to pursue a Master of Arts degree in Project Planning and
Management at the University of Nairobi and hopes to become a professional project manager. She successfully nourished her insatiable passion by conducting research about Determinants of Public Participation in Projects Funded by Devolved Governments in Kenya. A Case of Migori County. She has also undergone several trainings to enable her perform her duties effectively.
Apart from the above, she reflects a varied personality including ambition and thoughtfulness, a well determined and vigorous individual yet pleasantly calm. She also possesses great oratory and interpersonal skills. She also enjoys reading, travelling and most importantly spending time with her loved ones.
She currently resides in Migori County, Kenya with her husband and two young children. Above everything, she believes in God because nothing great comes easy and with God everything is possible
Thesis / Project Title
Determinants of Public Participation in Projects Funded by Devolved Governments in Kenya. A case of Migori County
Thesis / Project Abstract
ABSTRACT
Public participation entails the involvement of community members in decision- making on matters concerning them. In project management, it is critical in ensuring sustainability of projects since it promotes ownership, reduces costs and minimizes risk of project failure. The constitutions of Kenya 2010 together with other legislations provide for public participation both at the National and County Government levels. Community members are now expected to play a more meaningful role in terms of their involvement in projects implemented by the government and more so the devolved governments commonly referred to as County Governments. Several studies have established that public participation in the current devolved structures is minimal in terms of adequacy of representation and quality of engagements. This prompted the researcher to carry out the study so as to establish the determinants of public participation in projects funded by devolved governments in Kenya. A case of Migori county. The study is based on literature review and interviews conducted on 50 community members aged 18 years and above residing in Migori County. The study established that; demographic characteristics, level of awareness, material Incentives and behavioral factors influence public participation in projects funded by devolved governments. The researcher hopes that the policy recommendations will provide valuable information to county governments and citizens on effective structures and ways of enhancing public participation in projects funded by devolved governments. Project implementers and practitioners will also gain from the findings of the research so as to enhance public participation in project development.
