Monitoring and Evaluation Practices and Performance of Kenya National Highway Authority Road Construction Projects in Nairobi City County, Kenya

Abstract

Despite efforts and measures by the government of Kenya to improve performance of road construction projects ,government funded projects are still seen to face delivery challenges due to various factors associated with quality, completion schedules , and cost. The intended benefits are therefore delayed or partly realized due to poor planning and implementations. The subpar performance of road projects can be linked to time efficiency, adequacy of resources, and preparation measures. This study examined the effect of monitoring and evaluation practices on performance of road construction projects done by the Kenya National Highway Authority (KENHA) within Nairobi City County, Kenya. The specific objectives were to identify the impact of budget allocations, baseline studies, performance reviews and capacity building on performance of the road construction projects. This research was supported by the theory of change, resource-based view theory, and constraint theory. Descriptive and explanatory research projects were utilized. The study targeted seven road construction projects undertaken by Kenya National Highway Authority for the period 2015-2019 within Nairobi City County. The unit of observation was 100 management employees in the ministry of Roads, Public Works and Transport in Nairobi City County and 7 Kenya National Highway Authority officials. A census of the road construction projects was done. Structured questionnaires were used to obtain primary data for the study. Percentage, Mean, and Standard Deviation were used as descriptive statistics. The relationship between the study constructs was tested using Pearson correlation and regression analysis with a model. Tables and graphs were used to present the analysed data. The study found out that, budget allocation was a key performance factor. Specifically, project cost evaluation helped to determine the right budget which positively affected the performance of road projects .Timely disbursement of funds ensured that the projects were delivered in good time. The study further suggested that baseline surveys were key in validating project scope thus assisted to set realistic expectations in time, cost, and quality. Similarly, the study indicated that performance reviews and capacity building enhanced the performance of road construction projects through employees feedback sessions , target setting and reviews as well as adequate resourcing of the project team. The study therefore concluded that the specific objectives of this study had a positive effect on the performance of KENHA road construction projects within the Nairobi City County. It was recommended that road construction budgets be disbursed in a timely manner. Continuous evaluation of gaps in resourcing is critical in building required capacity. Regular performance reviews should be incorporated to appraise the performance of the project. The study is thought to add to the knowledge base of project management, M&E function as well performance of projects. Finally, this study suggests further study on the topic with different variables, similar study in other Counties, as well as a study of privately implemented road construction projects.