Brenda Nanjala

This was a cross-sectional mixed method study on community participation in Ward Development Fund (WDF) in Harambee ward, Makadara Sub-County, Nairobi City County. The study examined the level of awareness and knowledge of WDF, the mode of participation and degree of inclusivity and the constraints to participation in WDF projects. A sample of 200 respondents from Harambee ward was selected randomly to participate in the survey. Four Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and four Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) were also conducted. The study was guided by the Structuration theory. The quantitative data was analysed using SPSS while qualitative data was thematically analysed using NViVO. The findings indicated that there is generally a high awareness level of WDF among Harambee ward residents at 91.6%. However, the knowledge on the specific details of WDF in relation to the disbursed amount, the cost of the project is still very low at 17.3%. This limited knowledge on disbursed funds has an effect on the level of accountability and transparency in funds utilization.  The involvement of women and people living with disability (PLWD) in these projects is done in a passive manner.  Significant challenges to active participation included lack of capacity building, lack of flow of information, political appointments of the management committee, lack of community training and social audits and poor redress mechanisms. Therefore, the study recommended elaborate advocacy and sensitization of the community members on their rights, duties and responsibilities. Additionally, the study recommended that the community members be imparted with skills that can enable them to conduct social audits and demand accountability.