Critical Factors Influencing Implementation of Kenya Urban Roads Authority Construction Projects in Nairobi City County, Kenya

Abstract

In Nairobi, are managed, created, rehabilitated, and maintained by the Kenya Urban Roads Authority. KURA aims to provide and manage quality, safe and adequate urban road network. However, KURA road projects face problems of inflated costs, credit-worthiness queries by lenders, dealing with wide range of projects (scope) and the snail-pace of contract approvals in their implementation. The overall goal of the research was to analyze the critical factors influencing the implementation of government construction projects in Nairobi City County, Kenya. Specific objectives were to establish the influence of stakeholders’ involvement, project team competency procurement process, and technology use on the implementation of government construction projects. The study was anchored on stakeholder theory, institutional theory, human capital theory and technology acceptance model. Descriptive survey method and purposive method was adopted. The target population is the completed road projects by KURA. The target population was 36 road projects by KURA in Nairobi City County. This research used the purposive sampling approach. The sample size was 8 road projects. This study collected primary data obtained using a questionnaire. Data analysis involved descriptive and inferential statistics. Descriptive statistics that are percentages, means, standard deviations, and frequencies helped in analysing quantitative data. The information gathered by open questions was analyzed using the narrative analysis method. Multiple regressions analyzed the critical factors influencing the implementation of government construction projects. The details was shown using bar charts, graphs, and pie charts. The study revealed that stakeholders involvement significantly influences implementation of KURA road projects. Workers’ competence had a significant positive influence on implementation of KURA road projects. The study found that procurement process had a statistically significant influence on implementation. Use of technology had a significant positive influence on implementation. The study concluded that stakeholders’ involvement, workers’ competence, procurement process and use of technology positively influenced implementation of KURA road projects. The study suggests that the government ought to ensure that stakeholders are involved in each stage of the project from initiation to completion. Relevant project stakeholders, their needs and their duties ought to be properly defined in the project documentation prior the project start. The study recommended that KURA should ensure that the hired workers fit their job description. The workers performance should also be reviewed as the project progresses, this will help in knowing if they are meeting the set standards. This will ensure a proper execution of the project. The study recommended that the set procedure for procurement should be followed step by step. The organization should also make use of e-procurement since it is more efficient. This would ensure a timely procurement of resources needed for the project. The study recommended that technology is utilized throughout the project implementation. This would accelerate the implementation process since it enhances efficiency and effectiveness.