The Influence of Pre-Project Planning on the Budget Absorption Rate of Public Funded Infrastructure Projects in Kenya a Comparative Case Study of Narok, Migori, and Kisii County Government Projects

This research investigates the persistent problem of low budget absorption in publicly financed infrastructure projects within Kenya's devolved governance system. It examines the impact of Pre-Project Planning (PPP) on this issue, with key objectives of exploring how scope definition, clarity of objectives, stakeholder involvement, and risk identification lead to better budget absorption. This study is grounded in Construction Management Theory, Systems Theory, and the Organizational Decision-Making Model, which guided the analysis of project processes and outcomes. Adopting a causal-comparative case study design, the research utilized a mixed-methods approach, collecting data from various project stakeholders through structured questionnaires, interviews, and document analysis. Quantitative data were subjected to Pearson’s correlation and multiple regression analysis. The findings establish a significant positive correlation between effective risk identification and budget absorption, confirming its central role in fiscal success. In contrast, a statistically significant negative correlation was found between clarity of objectives and budget absorption, an unexpected finding suggesting that overly rigid plans may hinder financial flexibility. The research concludes that while PPP is central to improving budget absorption, its success is inextricably linked to addressing concurrent governance challenges and proactive management of project delays. This study makes a key empirical contribution by providing actionable insights for policymakers and project managers on how to enhance project delivery within Kenya's devolved governance environment.