Factors affecting construction projects completion in Kenya: a case of commercial buildings in Westlands Sub County, Nairobi County

Abstract

Construction projects successful completion is a large and prevalent problem in the Kenyan construction industry, which can distinctly affect project duration, budget, and also client needs. The purpose of this study was to highlight the factors affecting the completion of construction projects in Kenya and create more knowledge on the causes of project delays. The study delimited itself to commercial buildings in Westlands Sub-County, Nairobi County. This was looked at by taking into account four objectives that included: to determine the extent to which client variations influence the completion of commercial buildings construction in Westlands. To establish the influence of construction disputes on completion of commercial buildings construction in Westlands. To establish the extent to which fluctuation of construction materials price influence the completion of commercial buildings construction in Westlands. To assess the influence of weather conditions on the completion of commercial buildings construction in Westlands. A questionnaire survey was conducted to collect the importance of each factor from construction experts. In total, 248 respondents were targeted to participate in the survey. A pilot study of 15 respondents was first conducted in Upperhill area, before distributing the questionnaire to the targeted respondents. The collected data was analyzed using descriptive statistics including mean, frequency distributions, percentages and standard deviations. The analyzed data was then presented using tables. The study established that client variations affect completion of construction projects. The study also found that to a great extent that client changes have design implications and has time impact. Further the study established that to a great extent that client variations influence the completion of commercial buildings constructions. The study found that majority of the respondents have experienced construction disputes in construction projects in the region. The study further established that to a great extent that construction disputes influence the completion of commercial buildings constructions. The study further established that the method of dispute resolution agreed to, affects project completion. The study concluded that majority of the respondents experienced construction delays caused by weather conditions in construction of commercial buildings. The study also concluded that rain (wet conditions) influenced the completion of commercial buildings constructions. The study also concluded that rainy conditions have caused delays of projects in the region. The study recommended that competent Project managers should be hired, and their skills and references checked ensuring the construction contract does not take longer than intended because of the actions or inactions of any one of the project players. Competent contractors should also be hired, making sure that their past projects are checked to judge their performances in past projects before being commissioned.