Effective Early Risk Detection in the Construction of High-rise Buildings in Kenya (a Case of Nairobi Metropolitan Area)

Abstract

The rapid growth of high-rise construction in Kenya has introduced a series of unique risks that demand specialized attention. The vertical nature of these projects amplifies the potential consequences of accidents, underscoring the critical need for robust safety measures. The purpose of this study is to investigate the impacts of early risk detection in the construction of high-rise buildings within the Kenyan construction industry. The study employed a qualitative research methodology based on the risk management theory, technology adoption theory, institutional theory and innovation diffusion theory. Data was collected via questionnaires administered to 246 respondents (44 NCA 1 Contractors, 69 Architects, 62 Construction managers and 71 Engineers). The findings indicate that 94.3% were involved in high rise construction. Majority had carried out mixed use developments with 30.5% of the respondent firms having an average annual expenditure of over 2 billion shillings on high-rise buildings. The study ranked the main cause of collapse of buildings during construction as; Substandard materials, poor structural design, Poor foundation design, corruption, use of unqualified labor, errors and poor workmanship and greed for wealth respectively. The study also ranked the main causes of collapse of high-rise buildings post construction as; Lack of Structural monitoring, lack of building maintenance, resilience to natural disasters, Elevator and energy inefficiency respectively. The study also noted that 81.9% had early risk detection polices but only 73.4% of the firms were committed in implementing the risk management policy in their projects. The study established the following barriers as hinderances to implementation of the early risk detection methodologies; Inadequate risk culture, Insufficient communication, Complexity of high-rise projects and Adaptability to changing needs. The study proposes the following interventions to ensure improved implementation of the early risk methodologies; Machine learning and predictive analytics, Community engagement and public awareness, Collaborative governance and regulatory frameworks, Comprehensive risk assessment and Remote monitoring systems. The study concludes that risk detection had significant impact in the construction of high-rise buildings in Kenya construction industry. The study recommends; Identification and analysis of the specific risks inherent in the construction of high-rise buildings in the Kenyan construction industry, Assessment of current practices and technologies employed for risk detection in high-rise construction in the Kenyan construction industry and Proposal of innovative early risk detection strategies and their impacts in high-rise construction in the Kenyan construction industry. The study recommends further study to explore the technological advancements that can be implemented in the early risk practices to positively impact the high-rise buildings and an investigation of involvement of the key stakeholders in the early risk identification process.