An investigation into factors causing construction project delays in Kenya case study of high rise building projects in Nairobi

Abstract

Construction project delay is a widespread phenomenon in Kenya and reflects poor project time management practices. Project delay frustrates the process of development. In addition, scarce funds are tied in unfinished projects, and cause problems of mortgage servicing. Consequently, viable projects are rendered not viable due to lost opportunities occasioned by changing market conditions. Besides, the cost to society and loss of reputation of the parties involved in the concerned projects is immeasurable. The significance of the factors that cause project delays in Kenya unknown. This has created a vacuum in the efficiency with which projects are managed with respect to project planning and control. Hence, this study sought not only to identify and establish the significance of the factors that cause project delays but also investigated the influence of project characteristics on the delay causing factors. It was hypothesized that the factors that cause project delays are associated with the project participants, the process and the environment of project implementation, and that project characteristics of client and size influence the occurrence of these factors. Ninety variables were identified through literature review and pilot interviews. A random sample of 40 high rise buildings, ranging in cost between Ksh. 45 million to Ksh. 200 million was used in the study. A rating scale was used to identify the significant variables. Those that emerged significant were subjected to Chi-square test for the purpose of establishing the influence of project characteristics on the variables. The regression model was used to identify the variables that are most significant.