Optimizing Stakeholder Engagement for Electrification Success: Evaluating Performance Strategies of Universal Electricity Access Program

Abstract

S Stakeholder engagement has been indicated as great driver for successful electrification projects in many countries, including settings similar to Rwanda. However, little is known about its influence on electrification projects in Rwanda. The purpose of this study was to evaluate how different strategies of stakeholder engagement influence performance of electrification project Musanze District, Rwanda, with a focus on RUEAP. Specific focus was on collaboration strategy, involvement strategy, empowerment strategy and consultation strategy. Stakeholder theory and Goal Setting Theory informed the study. The study used descriptive survey and correlational research designs. A structured questionnaire and interview guide were used to collect quantitative data from 452 participants who were selected using Stratified, random and purposive sampling from a target population of 4691. The questionnaire was piloted with 47 participants, representing 10% of the sample size. The Validity of instrument was done and the coefficient of 0.8 was obtained. Reliability was established using Cronbach’s alpha test, and a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.899 was found. Descriptive statistics and inferential statistics of Correlation and Regression were done at a significance level of 0.05 using SPSS version 28 while thematic content analysis of qualitative data was done on qualitative data.  The findings for four hypotheses were tested at ?=.05 level of significance and the results were: stakeholder collaboration (P=0.011<0.05); stakeholder involvement (P=0.015<0.05); stakeholder empowerment (P=0.000<0.05) and; stakeholder consultation (P=0.007<0.05) does not significantly influence performance of electrification projects were rejected, confirming that they all had a significant influence on project performance. The study concludes that Stakeholders’ engagement in electrification project in Musanze have significantly influenced the electrification project performance. It is recommended that RUEAP project should continue to prioritize stakeholder engagement during the implementation of the project, but greater emphasis must be considered to begin engagement during the planning stage to ensure that the project aligns with public needs and expectation. Future research should involve a nationally representative sample of stakeholders would paint a picture of how engagement influence performance that is generalizable to other settings across Rwanda.