Stakeholder Involvement and Sustainability of Peace and Security Projects in Nakuru County, Kenya

Abstract

Security issues in Kenya continue to present persistent challenges, with recurrent problems affecting multiple regions across the country. Despite the implementation of various projects and programs aimed at strengthening peace and security, many have struggled to sustain their impact over time. The limited continuity of these projects undermines the long-term stability and safety essential for lasting peace. It is within this context that the current study examined the effect of stakeholder involvement on the sustainability of peace and security projects in Nakuru County, Kenya. The study was grounded on the stakeholder theory. A descriptive research design was employed. The target population was the peace and security projects in Nakuru County. A structured questionnaire was used in data collection. In data analysis, descriptive statistical methods including means, percentages, and standard deviations were employed. Further, inferential techniques involving correlation and regression analyses were applied to establish the relationship between project management practices and sustainability of peace and security projects. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software was used for data analysis. Findings were presented through tables. The research findings revealed that stakeholder involvement (r = 0.541; p = 0.000) had a significant positive relationship with the sustainability of peace and security projects. The regression analysis further confirmed these results, with a coefficient of determination R² = 0.293, signifying that 29.3% of the variation in project sustainability was explained by the combined effects of the four project management practices. The study concludes that the sustainability of peace and security projects is determined by the degree to which they strengthen local ownership, build mutual trust, and remain responsive to changing community priorities. It further observes that when such projects are anchored in stakeholder involvement, they evolve beyond the confines of project implementation to become integral components of community systems. The study recommends re-envisioning peace projects as adaptive frameworks that advance through inclusivity, transparency, and shared accountability. It also recommends that project managers institutionalize reflective and learning-oriented practices to enhance adaptability, ensuring that peace and security projects remain relevant, resilient, and sustainable over time.