Influence of Contractor Preparedness on Completion of Road Construction Projects: A Case of Selected Road Contractors in Nairobi County Kenya

Abstract

Road construction projects are rarely completed in time which causes immeasurable costs to society. Evidence exists of projects in Nairobi that are not completed within the stipulated time.

Purpose: the purpose of this study was to determine the influence of contractor preparedness on the completion of road construction projects in Nairobi County Kenya.

Methodology: The study employed a descriptive research design. The study used stratified sampling with a total sample size of 96. Questionnaire return rate was 86%. Data obtained from the study was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.

Findings: Findings revealed that there is a positive and significant relationship between project materials, project funding, competency of the project manager, technical competency of staff and project completion with co-efficient of 0.749, 0.755, 0.833 and 0.724 respectively. ANOVA showed that contractor preparedness significantly influences the completion of road construction projects at F (4, 78) =127.746, p < .005. From the coefficient of determination, it was evident that 86.1% of project completion can be explained by contractor preparedness.

Recommendations:  The study recommends that contractors must hire adequate and technical staff who must be trained. Besides that, contractors must ensure that there is proper funding and be ready to fund a project when needed. At the planning stage, contractors must ensure that project managers that are brought on board are qualified and experienced. Proper materials management and handling procedures must be put in place to avoid shortages and escalation in costs of material prices.