The Kazi Mtaani program, which was introduced to tackle youth unemployment through temporary public works, is a clear example. Recent research conducted in Uasin-Gishu County
show that political elites, government officials, and other influential individuals have a direct impact on how these projects are implemented.One of the key findings is that county politicians and highly positioned individuals often influence who gets selected as beneficiaries and which contractors are awarded tenders.
This control usually benefits those connected to powerful people rather than focusing on fairness or outcome. In some cases, tenders are awarded based on political affiliation instead of capacity to deliver quality work. This has resulted in
poor-quality outcomes, delays, and dissatisfaction among beneficiaries. Youth who do not have the right connections feel left out and lose trust in the system.
The research also shows that political elites use these projects as tools for personal and political gain. Politicians sometimes push for the inclusion of their relatives and supporters. The involvement of power brokers starts as early as the planning stage, where project priorities and resources can be redirected to serve private interests.
This elite capture not only slows down project implementation but
also affects the general success rate. When the main focus shifts from helping communities to meeting political objectives, the quality and sustainability of the projects suffer.
Government officials are not exempt from this dynamic. The study notes that county departments, such as the Department of Youth and Social Welfare Services, often lack the autonomy to carry out their duties independently.
Instructions about what should be done, how it should be done, and who should be involved are frequently given by politicians. This creates tension and undermines the role of technical experts
who are best placed to manage the projects effectively. Employees in charge of implementation sometimes
feel powerless, which affects the efficiency of the work being done.
Another problem caused by power relations is the delay in funds. Youth participants in Kazi Mtaani reported that payments were often late, leading to demotivation and a high turnover rate.
This turnover negatively affects the quality of work expected. Many youths view the project as a short-term fix rather
than a meaningful opportunity to grow their skills and contribute to their communities. These challenges weaken the main objective of empowering the unemployed and improving public infrastructure.
The research show that, power struggles are not limited to one level of government. They occur at multiple levels and influence every phase of the project. From the selection of beneficiaries to
the management of funds, powerful individuals often have the final say.
This imbalance makes the projects less transparent and harder to sustain. While some elites may have good intentions, the study shows that their interference usually does more harm than good, reducing accountability and excluding deserving beneficiaries.
In conclusion, power relations affect public work projects in Kenya by creating unfair advantages for certain groups, reducing transparency, and compromising the quality of outcomes. Projects like Kazi Mtaani highlight the negative impact of elite capture, political interference, and lack of autonomy for government
departments.
These issues lead to delays, poor workmanship, and low satisfaction among the youth who are supposed to benefit. The study makes it clear that addressing these power imbalances is essential if public work projects are to achieve their intended goals and make a real difference in the lives of Kenyan
citizens.
