Public-private partnership and implementation of road infrastructure projects in Kenya

Abstract

Public-private partnership has emerged as a strategic tool in enhancing economic growth for infrastructure and service delivery. Despite this recognition, different types of PPPs exist and are likely to influence how road projects are implemented, but this has not been fully researched. The study investigates how various aspects of public-private partnership influence implementation of road infrastructural development in Kenya. The study combined qualitative and quantitative approaches using a cross-sectional design. Secondary data was complimented with primary data collected from 35 purposively sampled respondents. The study established that PPP road projects have mostly utilized the DBFOMT model. While a range of stakeholders exist, engagement of NGO/CSO, community and public are still limited due to a lack of transparent and accountable measures. PPP has not resulted in reduction in the total cost of the projects, despite improvements in quality and efficiency. Challenges of PPP range from contractual political, legal to stakeholder-related. The study concluded that the nature off PPP used can influence the quality of road infrastructure projects. Policy recommendations focused on the need for government to utilize the potential benefits of Joint Venture arrangements while embracing a bottom-up approach when engaging with all stakeholders to avoid cost and time overruns and ensure quality of roads