A Survey of Factors That Lead To Failure of Building Construction Projects in Kenya

Abstract

Building construction projects failure is a major concern and challenge in developing countries. Research has found out that there are many causes that are quality, time & cost-related that contributes to this failure. This study sought to investigate on these causes and the subsequent practices that if employed will reduce the project failure. The study was based on a questionnaire survey among persons drawn from construction firms registered in category A & B by the ministry of roads and public works of the republic of Kenya who have in one way or another participated in building construction projects. Thirty-six causes were identified as significant in contributing to project failure. These were categorised into three; namely quality, time and cost-related causes. Lack of contractor experienced topped the quality related cause of project failure while underestimation of project duration was the main cause of project failure in the time-related causes. Besides other causes, inadequate project budget was identified as the main cause of project failure in the cost-related project failure causes. Appropriate technology effective and realistic project life estimation and a realistic project budget were found to be among the practices that reduce project failure in building construction sectors. The study led to conclusions that there were many causes that contributed to project failure in the building construction industry and practices that minimize the occurrence of such failure. These revelations should enable the stakeholders in the construction industry in Kenya to take stock of past performance and incorporate the identified practices now and in future.