The Process of Value Engineering in Construction Projects in Nairobi, Kenya

Abstract

Value Engineering is an exercise whose goal is to achieve value at the lowest cost possible. This paper reports on the findings of a study that established the process of executing value engineering in construction projects in Nairobi County. The study population comprised of Construction Project Managers, Architects, Quantity Surveyors and Engineers registered in Nairobi County. With a sample of 288 respondents. Data was collected through administration of questionnaires and structured and unstructured interviews. The findings established that there are features of Value Engineering incorporated in construction projects but a lot improvement in its execution is required. 60% of the respondents reported that VE is facilitated by Architects instead of Construction Project Managers who may be more objective, while 96% reported that VE is extended to construction stage contrary to the expert’s recommendation. In 70% of the construction projects the tool adopted is cost cutting measure rather than to create value and in 75% of the construction projects the exercise lacks teamwork and is carried out in informally hence limiting it effectiveness. These weaknesses in the implementation of VE may be explained by the finding that 86% of the practitioners had learnt the features of VE through their work experience hence the recommendation of its introduction in academic curricula and training and sensitization through continuous professional developments workshops and seminars. This will enhance the achievement of VE’s goal among Nairobi projects.