Project Design Dimensions and Sustainability  of Food Security Projects in South Eastern Kenya

Jackson Safari  Kilonzo; Johnbosco  M. Kisimbii; Reuben Wambua  Kikwatha; Gituro  Wainaina

doi:10.36941/ajis-2026-0146

Authors

Jackson Safari Kilonzo Department of Management Sciences and Project Planning, University of Nairobi, Kenya
Johnbosco M. Kisimbii Department of Finance and Accounting, University of Nairobi, Kenya
Reuben Wambua Kikwatha Department of Management Sciences and Project Planning, University of Nairobi, Kenya
Gituro Wainaina Department of Management Sciences and Project Planning, University of Nairobi, Kenya

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.36941/ajis-2026-0146

Keywords:

Project design dimensions, food security, food security projects, Complex adaptive systems theory, sustainability.

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to examine the effect of project design dimensions on the sustainability of food security projects in South Eastern Kenya Economic Bloc (SEKEB) counties in Kenya. This research was motivated by the short lifespan of most food security projects in SEKEB counties, where, despite the efforts to sustain them, many cease operations soon after funding from project sponsors ceases, without meeting their intended economic, social, and environmental goals. The research objective was to establish the influence of project design dimensions on the sustainability of food security projects in SEKEB. This research adopted positivism research philosophy, and a descriptive cross-sectional survey design to describe project design dimensions and food security projects’ sustainability. The study targeted 65 donor funded food security projects that were being implemented in SEKEB counties of Kenya in 2025, where a response rate of 89.2 percent was attained. The study used a structured questionnaire to gather data and applied descriptive, correlation and linear regression analysis to analyse the data. The empirical results indicated that project design dimensions had a statistically significant effect on sustainability of food security projects. From a theoretical standpoint, the study enhances the understanding of sustainability of food security projects by revealing the contribution of project design dimensions. Practically, it provides actionable recommendations for policymakers, project sponsors and implementors, and development partners on how to improve sustainability of food security projects through integrated project design dimensions. The study recommends that regular evaluations and updates to the project scope and objectives to ensure that the projects remain responsive to evolving community needs and environmental challenges.

Received: 23 June 2026 / Accepted: 31 August 2026 / Published: September 2026