PROJECT RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AND PERFORMANCE OF URBAN FOOD SECURITY PROJECTS IN NAIROBI CITY COUNTY, KENYA

Abstract

Project resource management is one of the most critical factors in project management because project budget is one of the key metrics of project performance. Food security is a critical concern in Kenya hence the need to develop projects that will enhance food security in the country. Nairobi County has implemented several initiatives to enhance urban food security but objective of the food security initiatives is yet to be fully realized. The general objective of the study was to establish the effect of project resource management on performance of urban food security projects in Nairobi City County, Kenya. The specific objectives were to establish the effect of resource utilization and resource forecasting on performance of urban food security projects in Nairobi City County, Kenya. The study was guided by theory of constraints, and management competency theory. The study adopted descriptive research. The unit of observation was 10 urban food security projects in Nairobi County. The unit of observation was 10 project managers, 10 project supervisors, and 100 project implementation team members. The study used census hence all the 120 targeted respondents were sampled. The study used questionnaires for data collection.  The pilot study was conducted with 10% of the sampled respondents (12 respondents). This study used construct and content validity. The Cronbach Alpha coefficient was used to measure reliability. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 28. Findings were presented in tables. The content of the questionnaire was approved by the research supervisors. Key findings showed that resource utilization and resource forecasting positively and significantly affect project performance, with resource utilization emerging as the strongest predictor. The study concludes that effective planning, efficient use of available inputs, proactive forecasting, and balanced workload distribution are essential for achieving timely, reliable, and impactful food security outcomes. Based on these findings, the study recommends improving utilization through better prioritization and reduced wastage, enhancing forecasting capacity using structured tools and contingency planning, these measures are expected to enhance efficiency, ensure consistent food availability, and support the successful implementation of urban food security initiatives in Nairobi City County.

Key Words: Project Resource Management, Performance of Urban Food Security Projects, Resource Utilization, Resource Forecasting, Nairobi City County, Kenya