Factors influencing completion of projects in government tertiary institutions: a case of Nairobi county in Kenya

Abstract

The construction industry is a key driver of Kenyan economy due to its ability to create job opportunities and massive consumer of resources. The industry is characterized by varied parties who have to work together to realize a workable project. Projects are based on three pillars, time, cost and scope, and also quality and specification. The construction industry is known to be a time-consuming and material depleting industry, due to its complexity and volatility occasioned by varied needs, wants and preferences. There is thus a direct co-relation between time and cost of project as projects have definite start and finish time, consume resources and meet certain criterion in satisfaction to the beneficiaries. In a construction project, contracts are based on price or cost and time period needed to finish a project. This research report intended to look at the factors influencing completion of projects in Government funded Tertiary Institutions in Nairobi County. Of particular interest are cost and time overruns, management and environment. The research includes statement of problem, objectives and justification of the study. The objectives of the study were to examine why Government funded projects experience cost overruns; to explore reasons why projects exceed contract time; to examine managerial skills, (project and contract) in relation to success of projects; to examine impact of environment on Government funded Tertiary Institutions in relation to cost and time overruns. The researcher intended to answer research questions such as what are the causes of time and cost overruns in government funded Tertiary Institutions, effect of management to Government funded Tertiary Institutions in relation to time and cost overruns as well as environmental impact Government funded Tertiary Institutions in relation to time and cost overruns of projects. The researcher reviewed related literature from various scholars on time and cost overruns on projects, management and environmental impact on Tertiary Institutions funded by the Government. This covers variables such as management, time overruns, cost overruns, procurement systems, project and contract management and environment. The study uses quantitative research design. Data instrument tool used was survey where questionnaires were administered. The population for research was 44 Government Tertiary Institutions in Kenya of which 14 Tertiary Institutions are found within Nairobi County as per Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology, 2013 statistics, which forms the target population for this study. Within the 14 identified Institutions, there are 26 recently completed projects executed by 26 different contractors whose top management then became the target respondents for this study. The methodology used was field survey conducted from a purposive sample of the target population of the 25 respondent as per Krejcie & Morgan‟s table for determining sample size from a given population. This was followed by data collection using a questionnaire and analysis, data presentation, interpretation and presentation. The findings were then summarized as cost and time overruns in projects are as a result of instructions, delays and unrealistic project acquisition, delayed or disrupted communication or late approvals. Projects whereby professional consultants are engaged are better managed. Contractors who engage in-house professionals such as quantity surveyors and engineers manage projects better. Environment does not have a major effect on projects delivery. Religion and cultural beliefs do not impact on project delivery. Discussed were given in details, conclusions of study drawn and recommendations made. Where proper documentation of projects has been keenly followed, there are minimal disputes in project delivery of Government Tertiary Institutions. The researcher also suggested areas of further studies as the researcher has not fully exhausted the field