Factors influencing completion of construction projects in public day secondary schools in Kandara sub-county, Murang’a county, Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine factors influencing completion of construction projects in public day secondary schools in Kandara sub-county, Murang’a County, Kenya. The objectives of the study were to:- examine how school management influence completion of construction projects in public day secondary schools in kandara sub-county; establish how sources of funds influence completion of construction projects in public day secondary schools in kandara sub-county; investigate the influence of stakeholders involvement on completion of construction projects in public day secondary schools in kandara sub-county; examine the extent to which project monitoring and evaluation influence completion of construction projects in public day secondary schools in kandara sub-county. The study adopted a descriptive survey design in examining factors influencing completion of construction projects in public day secondary schools in kandara sub-county, Murang’a County. The target population of the study was 342 informants. A sample of 190 respondents was selected using Krejcie and Morgan Table comprising of 5 respondents per school. Sampling was purposive and simple random in order to select respondents with the information required by the researcher. The school principals, members of BOM and PTA were purposively selected. Sample size comprised of 38 school principals, 76 members of BOM and 76 members of PTA. The data for the study was collected using questionnaires and observation schedules. Piloting was done in two schools from the neighboring Gatanga sub-county to test the reliability and validity of the research instruments. The data collected was analyzed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS). Descriptive statistics were used to present the results of the study and the general trends. This involved tabulating and describing data. It was followed by a discussion of the findings, drawing conclusions and giving recommendations based on the findings of the study. The findings revealed that school management, sources of funds, stakeholders’ involvement and project M&E were vital in timely completion of construction projects. It revealed that M&E was not done by experts in most schools. The study recommends that those charged with the responsibility of managing school construction projects should undergo training on project management. M&E should be strengthened and proper planning be done on sources and timely availability of funds at project inception.