Effect of Project Planning on the Performance of Community Water Projects in Arid Regions of Northern Kenya

The performance of community water projects in arid regions of Northern Kenya remains inconsistent despite continued investments aimed at improving access to a safe and reliable water supply. The Arid regions continue to experience challenges related to project delays, cost overruns, and limited sustainability of water infrastructure. According to the Northern Kenya Water Sector Status Report (2024), approximately 42% of community-managed water projects commissioned between 2014 and 2022 operate below expected capacity or have become non-functional within five years of completion. Therefore, this study examined the effect of project planning on the performance of community water projects in Arid Regions of Northern Kenya. A descriptive survey research design was adopted. The target population included 16 community-managed water projects implemented and rehabilitated between 2014 and 2024 in Garissa County. The study employed census method to ensure comprehensive coverage of the 16 projects. Primary data was collected through structured questionnaires administered to project managers, committee members, and other relevant stakeholders. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and regression techniques, with the Statistical Package for Social Sciences used for data processing. The study found that project planning was found to have a positive and significant effect on project performance (β = 0.191, p = 0.000), meaning that improvements in budgeting, scheduling, and stakeholder involvement in planning enhance coordination, efficiency, and timely completion of project activities. The conclusion was made that the projects that have well-organized budgeting, scheduling, and planning processes that involve stakeholders are more likely to have better coordination, higher efficiency, and timely completion of activities. In order to improve project planning, implementing agencies and project managers ought to reinforce planning systems by making sure that budgeting, scheduling and stakeholder involvement are all incorporated at the initial phases of project design. Keywords: Project planning, Sustainable Project Management Practices, Project Performance. Title: EFFECT OF PROJECT PLANNING ON THE PERFORMANCE OF COMMUNITY WATER PROJECTS IN ARID REGIONS OF NORTHERN KENYA Author: Hassan Hussein Amin, Dr. Morrison Mutuku International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research ISSN 2348-3156 (Print), ISSN 2348-3164 (online) Vol. 14, Issue 2, April 2026 - June 2026 Page No: 354-362 Research Publish Journals Website: www.researchpublish.com Published Date: 04-June-2026 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20543936 Paper Download Link (Source) https://www.researchpublish.com/papers/effect-of-project-planning-on-the-performance-of-community-water-projects-in-arid-regions-of-northern-kenya