Evaluation of the training of small-scale contractors in Kenya; a case study of the national construction corporation.

Abstract

This Study is on the training of indigenous Contractors in Kenya by the National Construction Corporation (NCC)the study has reviewed proven curriculum development models normally Used in training Institutions and tried to use these models in setting up a curriculum for the training of contractors in Kenya's Construction industry. The study has found out That there is a clear and chronological process followed, in setting up a training program. This order follows From the determination of the objectives of the Course, through the selection of the course content; the method of instruction; to the determination of the manner of evaluating the success or failure of the program. The study has also found out that the NCC, our case Study, which is the organization that undertakes the training Of indigenous contractors: as ignored the normal Procedure of setting up a course for the Contractors as outlined above. This has come about because of the inability to state specifically. The role to be played by the NCC in its organizational terms of reference. Rather the role is stated in such general terms as to promote and develop an African based construction industry. This generality of purpose is found to have led the NCC to give its training function less attention than expected. The study has indicated and stressed the usefulness of giving the training function due emphasis and the importance of involving all the departments of the NCC in the training function. For this to be achieved, the study has suggested the setting up of properly staffed and equipped training department. The study is organized in six chapters .chapter one introduces the problem area. It looks at the role of the construction industry in the general economy .the structural set up of the construction is also shown and the study objectives stated. Chapter two of the study gives the profile of the indigenous contractors in Kenya in terms of their origins, education levels, business problems and business philosophy .chapter three reviews the related literature on curriculum development in the general field of education planning. In chapter four the study presents and analyses the organizational structure of the NCC with a view to finding out how the recommended model of curriculum development in chapter three can fit onto the existing structures.This leads us to chapter five in which the study has outlined how the data was obtained and analyzed .finally there is chapter six in which there are the overall conclusions and recommendations of the study .analysis of the responses leads to a conclusion that since in future and even at present we shall have most of the contractors coming from our institutions that train personnel for the construction industry ,the question of efficiency of the contractors needs to be tackled right from the syllabi used in the institutions by introducing subjects such as business management .however ,the NCC has a special role to play in organizing a controlled entry of enlightened and committed contractors into the industry.