Economic Factors and Completion of National Government Constituency Development Fund Projects in Public Secondary Schools in Samburu County, Kenya

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between selected economic factors and the completion of National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) projects in public secondary schools in Samburu County, Kenya. The study addressed persistent project incompletion, which constrains the provision of essential educational infrastructure. It examined delayed fund disbursement, inadequate budgeting, limited availability of construction materials, delayed contractor payments, contractors’ financial capacity, and rising material costs. A descriptive survey design was used. The target population comprised 250 school-based respondents and 15 key informants. Questionnaires were administered to principals, deputy principals, heads of departments, Board of Management chairpersons and bursars; interviews were conducted with the 15 key informants. A census invitation was extended to the identified population; 212 questionnaires (84.8%) and all 15 interviews (100%) were completed. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation and simple linear regression, while interview data were analysed thematically. The reported association between the economic-factor index and project completion was negative (r = ?.548; N = 210; recalculated p < .001), and the model reportedly explained 30.0 per cent of the variance (R² = .300). Interview accounts highlighted funding delays, budget shortfalls, payment interruptions, etc. The study concludes that selected economic constraints, including particularly delayed fund disbursement, inadequate budgeting, and contractor payment challenges, are associated with lower completion of NG-CDF projects in public secondary schools in Samburu County. The study recommends predictable disbursement, realistic cost estimates, contractor capacity assessment, and context-sensitive procurement planning. The findings can inform NG-CDF financial planning and implementation oversight.