LESSONS FROM INSTITUTION BUILDING IN KENYA

Participant observation of institution building in a public sector org anization in Kenya provides a basis for a critical discussion of key f acets of the institution-building process. Problems identified include : flawed needs assessments; overambitious project designs; poor select ion and briefing of consultants; and countervailing vested interests o n the parts of external agents. Recommendations include narrowing the gap between development rhetoric and reality; more careful project for mulation; greater emphasis on in-house training; more careful selectio n of project team leaders; and the provision of funding for post-proje ct sustainability evaluations.