Local Governance Structures and Sustainable Community Development in Kenya Rural Roads Authority Projects in Bomet Region, Kenya

Abstract

Purpose: The study examined the effect of local governance structures on sustainable community development within KeRRA projects in the Bomet Region, Kenya. It addressed an empirical gap by providing context-specific evidence on how institutional effectiveness, transparency and accountability, and inclusiveness influence sustainability outcomes.

Methodology: The study was anchored on the Triple Bottom Line theory and adopted an explanatory research design. The target population comprised 1,054 stakeholders involved in KeRRA projects in the Bomet region. Stratified random sampling was applied to obtain a representative sample. Primary data were collected using structured questionnaires. Validity was ensured through face, content, and construct validity assessments, while reliability was confirmed using Cronbach’s Alpha coefficients. Data analysis entailed descriptive statistics—means, standard deviations, frequencies, and percentages—and inferential statistics, including Pearson correlation and multiple regression analysis.

Findings: Regression results demonstrated that local governance structures significantly influenced sustainable community development. All three governance dimensions were statistically significant predictors: institutional effectiveness (β = 0.478, p = 0.000), transparency and accountability (β = 0.472, p = 0.000), and inclusiveness (β = 0.396, p = 0.000). These findings show that improvements in governance practices positively enhance community development outcomes in the region.

Conclusion: The study concluded that strong local governance structures play a central role in promoting sustainable community development in KeRRA projects in the Bomet region. Strengthening institutional systems, improving accountability mechanisms, and fostering inclusive participation are essential drivers of sustainable project outcomes.

Value: The study offers practical insights for policymakers on strengthening governance frameworks to support equitable decision-making and sustainability. It provides actionable guidance for practitioners involved in community development initiatives and contributes to theoretical advancement by offering empirical evidence useful for future scholarly inquiry.