Determinants of successful implementation of infrastructure projects in devolved units in Kenya: A case of Kilifi county, Kenya.

: Infrastructure implementation at the grassroots level has been neglected over the years thus putting more pressure on the already available infrastructure. The foundation for growth of a place hinges on the quality of infrastructure development of the area. Quality infrastructure with good maintenance attributes to improved trade, better transport and communication, improved education and socio-economic status, better healthcare and by extension improve living standards of the citizenry. This in turn contributes to economic growth and development of the devolved units and by extension the whole country. To this end therefore, implementation of infrastructure projects and specifically the determinants of success in its implementation is worth examining. The purpose of the study was to examine the determinants of successful implementation of infrastructure projects in Kilifi County, Kenya. The study was guided by four objectives. Objective one was to determine the influence of budgetary allocation on the successful implementation of infrastructure projects. Objective two was to examine the influence of stakeholder participation on the successful implementation of infrastructure projects. Objective three was to assess influence of human resources on the successful implementation of infrastructure projects and finally, to establish influence of project design and specification on the successful implementation of infrastructure projects. The study targeted a population of 738 and a sample size of 259 respondents. Descriptive research design method was applied. Data collection was achieved through the use of a questionnaire and a pilot test for the questionnaire was conducted in the neighbouring Tana River County to enhance reliability of the instrument. In conducting the study, a total of 259 questionnaires were administered. Hypothesis was tested by use of chi-square. Of the administered questionnaires, 133 were retuned representing a response rate of 51.35%. The male respondents were the dominant ones at 74.4% (99) compared to their female counterparts at 25.6% (34). Findings of the study reveal that majority of respondents 115 (86.47%) significantly supported the idea that adequate budgetary allocation influences successful infrastructure project implementation. 123 respondents representing 92.48%, were in agreement that stakeholder participation influence the successful implementation of infrastructure projects. Similarly, 102 respondents equaling to 76.69% of respondents, supported the proposition that human resources influence the success of infrastructure projects. Finally, a majority of respondents are in agreement to the idea that project design and specifications does influence the successful implementation of infrastructure projects 96 (72.18%). The researcher recommends for the timely release and accountability of budgeted funds to enhance successful completion of projects within time, involvement of stakeholders right from inception of project to foster project uptake, adequacy in trained and skilled manpower to enhance usage of emerging and modern technology in infrastructure project and appropriate feasibility studies on designs and specifications of infrastructure projects to ensure durability of infrastructure.