In Search for an Alternative Stakeholder-Participation Model
Benard Muronga Kadurenge, Raphael Ondeko Nyonje, Dorothy Kyalo Ndunge

Abstract
That the success of projects is predicated upon full involvement and prudent management of concerned stakeholders is a reality over which development actors are at a consensus. Project stakeholders are often the source of the much sought after resources and have the ability to positively or negatively influence the outcome of the project. They also wield the ability to determine an organization's survival, and therefore appropriate engagement and management of key stakeholders should be a critical part of any project. Various conventional stakeholder-participation models including top-down, bottom-up, quadripartite project participation, collaborative, contractual, consultative, and collegiate are available for engaging stakeholders in projects. However, literature shows that they have limitations which make projects fail to attain their objectives. This study sought to examine limitations of conventional stakeholder-participation models in the management of projects, and to design a stakeholder-participation model with capacity to address such limitations. A case study design was used to conduct the study which centered on four market stalls projects in Vihiga County of Kenya. Data was collected using document review, observation, in-depth interviews and focus group discussions; and content analysis was applied for data analysis. The findings demonstrate that the conventional stakeholder-participation models lack capacity to address limitations that arise out of their application in projects and cannot therefore be relied upon for successful projects. The suggested capacity building stakeholder participation (CBSP) model should be applied as an alternative.

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