Factors affecting productivity in the large thermal power generation stations in Kenya

Abstract

The aim of this study was to establish the factors that affect productivity in thermal power generation plants and also to establish how these factors affect the efficiency and progressive trends in these thermal power generation plants. Data was collected using questionnaires and interview guides that were administered by the researcher. The study was conducted on workers from different levels and departments which included management, technical personnel, crafts men and finally the chief executive officers for each plant. Two large power stations at the coast region were the sampling units. The data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics; the mean score of the sample for each factor was calculated. Using a 95% confidence level, the population score for each factor was determined. The results show that the major factors that affect productivity in large thermal power stations are cost of inventory, availability of spares, capacity utilization, effective capacity, technology, plant location, licensing and government regulations, ISO certification and employment incentives. From the findings in this project, it shows that higher productivity leads to higher efficiency and it is therefore recommended that policy makers should focus, analyze and manage properly the identified major factors in order to improve productivity in the thermal power generation plants. It is also recommended in this report that the stake holders in the thermal power generation stations should come with explicit policies articulating the importance of productivity analysis in the thermal power generation centers III Kenya.