Mobile technology usage and project performance for projects Kibra- Sub County, Kenya

Abstract

This study investigated the influence of mobile technology utilization on the performance of cash- for-work projects, focusing on the context of Kibera, Nairobi County. Kibera, one of Africa's largest urban informal settlements, faces multifaceted challenges, including unemployment and inadequate infrastructure. Study’s objective was to determine the effects of mobile technology usage on project performance, objectives adopted in this study; determination of mobile digital funds transfer platforms used to support cash for work programs, evaluation of mobile data collection strategies applied by social entitiesfor cash for work program, assessing internet access platforms enhancing cash for work programs in Kibera. Lastly, assessing usage of mobile technology on monitoring and evaluationon project performance in fostering knowledge creation for human development. The study adopted Project performance theory, Technology theory and systems theories. the study adopted Quantitative and Qualitative research design. The study used stratified sampling technique that ensured project participants had equal chances in participation in the study. Stratified random sampling was also applied to ensure the inclusion in the sample of targeted subgroups of the target population. Data collection adopted structured questionnaires administered by the researcher on hand and pick basis. Data collected was tabulated in Ms. Excel and SPSSversion 26 software used for analysis. Descriptive statistics tools like mean, frequency, and percentile were used for data analysis. The data was presented in tables, figures, and for quantitative data while qualitative data shared through recording reports from the sessions and putting down quotes from the respondents. The findings of this study contributed to both theoretical and practical understandings of the intersection between mobile technology, employment interventions, and project management in resource-constrained urban environments. The study findings showed that there is positive impact by use of mobile technology on project performance for cash for work. There is high efficiency, security and reliability that is achieved under cash for work projects through mobile technology. Integration has become easy under various projects undertaken from different locations. Through mobile technology, project stakeholders are achieving collaborations, efficient data collection that are key for project performances. Through mobile technology, various stakeholders are able to detect potential implementation challenges and recommend solutions. The study further determined project challenges due to use of mobile technology as fraudsters losing thereby losing money easily manipulate some beneficiaries. Therefore, adoption of mobile technology into project implementation life cycles improves quality and output. Training of both project implementers and beneficiaries on the advantages of mobile technology is recommended for high value cash for work community projects.