EFFECTS OF STAKEHOLDERS' PARTICIPATION ON THE PERFORMANCE OF MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAMMES IN KILIFI COUNTY, KENYA.

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In rural areas like Kilifi County, where mental health resources and services are scarce, implementing effective project management practices becomes crucial in the roll out of mental health projects. The main aim of the paper was to determine effects of stakeholders' participation on the performance of mental health programmes in Kilifi County, Kenya. The studies were guided by Stakeholders theory. This paper employed a descriptive research design. The study’s target population were the completed mental health projects implemented between 2021 and 2023 which total to eight (8) rolled out by Basic Needs Basic Rights Kenya, Kenya Red Cross Society, Kenya Medical and Research Institute, Health Rights Advocacy Forum, CBM Global, Stawisha Afya Pwani, and the County Department of Mental Health for Kilifi. The respondents were 56 comprising of 6 project managers from the 6 Non-Governmental Organizations and 50 project team members entailing 7 staff (project officer, project assistant, monitoring and evaluation officer, livelihood officer, communications officer, community mental health officer and mental health and psychosocial officer) from each of the 5 non-governmental organizations plus KEMRI, and 8 staff (1 county mental health focal person, 7 sub county mental health focal individuals) from county government mental health department. Census of the 56 respondents was employed with structured questionnaires being used to collect data. Data analysis utilized descriptive statistics, including distribution of the values, central tendencies and variability and dispersions, and inferential statistics, including correlation besides regression analyses. Results showed that stakeholder engagement had a minimal positive correlation. This research paper concludes that stakeholder engagement has a positive impact in regards to performance of mental health programmes. The study suggests that cultivating a supportive management environment is instrumental in overcoming project hurdles, fostering a conducive atmosphere for effective project execution in the unique context of Kilifi County.

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