Factors influencing sustainability of housing projects in Kenya: A case of KCB Simba Villas Estate Embakasi project,Nairobi county

Abstract

Sustainability of housing projects is arguably one of the most pressing concerns of our time. The United Nations Article 25 of 1948 on Human Rights considers adequate housing a human right. Despite government policy on property management that states that management and maintenance of buildings and related infrastructure are a measure of national wealth and capital formation, very little has been done to address the factors influencing sustainability of housing projects in Kenya. The purpose of the study was to establish the factors influencing sustainability of housing projects in Kenya. The study specifically sought to establish the influence of level of education of the community, socioeconomic status and stakeholder involvement on sustainability of housing projects in KCB Simba Village Estate, Embakasi Project in Nairobi County Kenya. The research design was cross sectional descriptive survey. The target population was 252 house units in KCB Simba Villas Estate located in the Embakasi area of Nairobi. The subject of the study was drawn from all the 252 units (1 person per unit). As regards primary data, the researcher used questionnaires. Descriptive analysis was u ed to analyse the primary data of quantitative nature while thematic content analysis was used for the qualitative data. Additionally, Pearson Correlation tests were calculated to determine whether there is linear relationship and nature of such relationship between the factors under study and the sustainability of housing projects in Kenya. The study found that application of sustainable development structures, public awareness, knowledge sharing, user needs assessment and preoccupancy hands on education affected sustainability of housing projects to a great extent.The study revealed that housing cost affected sustainability of housing projects to a very great extent. Inclusive participation in monitoring, controlling, initiation or identification and execution also influenced sustainability of housing projects to a great extent. Technological skills and manpower training also affected sustainability of housing projects. The study concludes that affordability of houses affects sustainability of housing projects to a very great extent. Provision of labour and resources requirements and participation in planning affected sustainability of housing projects to a great extent.The study recommends focused development of policies aimed at benefiting the local people. Success should be measured in terms that are meaningful to local people and would address issues of equity, justice and sustainabil ity. An increased capacity to build and apply systemic understanding of the nature of the systems we are trying to improve is needed. The institutional framework should be set to promote, enhance and encourage affordable housing provision. Estate management companies need to encourage social relationships among residents. The costs and benefits of participation must be balanced