The challenge of inadequate worksites for micro and small enterprises (MSEs) has been acknowledged in Kenya through various policy documents such as such as Sessional Paper No. 1 of 1986, Sessional Paper No. 1 of 1994, Sessional Paper No. 2 of 1996 and the Economic Recovery Strategy for Wealth and Employment Creation (ERS) (2003 – 2007). Measures such as the establishment of Rural Trade Promotion Centres (RTPCs), “Nyayo” sheds and Constituency Industrial Development Centres (CIDCs) have been put in place to address the challenge. However, not much effort has been made to assess whether the implementation of each of the projects has been effective. This study focused on the implementation process of the CIDCs project in Kenya and was guided by the following specific objectives: to identify the nature and type of services offered at the CIDCs, to establish the factors affecting the implementation of the CIDCs project and explore the effect of the new devolved system of governance on the implementation of the CIDCs project. Literature concerning the implementation of policy was extensively reviewed and it was established that majority of the scholars agreed that policy characteristics and resources were significant in the implementation process. With regard to research methodology, a qualitative approach was used for data collection so as to answer the research questions. The population of the study was the operational CIDCs in Kenya. Purposive sampling was used to get a sample of seven (7) CIDCs. Data was collected through in – depth interviews and review of formal policy and strategy documents. Content analysis was used to analyze the qualitative data collected from the in - depth interviews. The research produced a number of findings: firstly, the activities undertaken at the CIDCs varied and were not limited to the metalwork, wood work, construction and automotive sectors as initially prescribed in the ESP; secondly, several factors such as content of policy / policy characteristics, operational demands, resources, availability of land, organizational structure and clients / coalitions / key stakeholders, influenced the implementation process; thirdly, the new devolved system of governance has not significantly affected the implementation of the CIDCs project. The main conclusion drawn from this research was that implementation of the CIDCs project faced a myriad of challenges which can be attributed to the factors established herein such as the lack of resources. The study recommends that the Ministry of Industry, Trade & iii
Cooperatives needs to prioritize the complete implementation of the CIDCs project and address the challenges militating the implementation process.