Determinants of Performance of Early Childhood Development Projects in Kisii County, Kenya

Purpose: This study aimed to explore the key factors that influence the success of Early Childhood Development (ECD) projects within Kisii County, Kenya. The study focused on four main objectives: to evaluate the impact of stakeholder involvement on the sustainability of ECD projects, to examine how the allocation of financial resources affects project outcomes, to assess the influence of conducting feasibility studies on project success, and to determine the effect of monitoring and evaluation practices on the long-term viability of County Government-supported ECD centers. Methodology: The target population consisted of 246 individuals, including school headteachers, county officials, and PTA chairpersons. A sample of 149 participants was selected. Data collection was conducted through a structured questionnaire, which was later coded and analyzed using SPSS software, with technical support from a data analyst. Statistical tools such as frequency distributions, means, and standard deviations were employed, and the chi-square test was applied to test the research hypotheses. Findings: Results indicated that stakeholder participation plays a significant role in the effectiveness of ECD projects. This was supported by a chi-square value of 14.3, which exceeded the critical threshold of 9.488 at a 95% confidence level, leading to the acceptance of the alternative hypothesis. Similarly, financial allocation was found to significantly influence project performance, as demonstrated by a chi-square value of 38.7. The study also found that feasibility assessments are vital to project success. This was confirmed by a chi-square result of 46.4, which surpassed the critical value. Additionally, monitoring and evaluation processes were shown to be critical for project sustainability, supported by a chi-square value of 35.1. Unique Contribution to Theory, Policy and Practice: Based on these findings, the study recommended further research in Kisii County and other regions to investigate additional variables, such as the role of political influences and policy frameworks on the implementation and performance of ECD programs.