FACTORS AFFECTING PERFORMANCE OF PROJECTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY IN KENYA: A SURVEY OF GATED COMMUNITIES INNAIROBI COUNTY

Abstract

There has been tremendous growth in the construction industry in Kenya with the housing sector recording double digit profit margins in recent times. Consequently, there have been an increased number of property developers bringing in different products into the real estate market. However there are various pertinent issues that have risen in regards to the performance of the projects undertaken by these developers. This study therefore sought to carry out a survey to investigate the factors influencing performance of construction projects in Kenya with a focus on gated communities in Nairobi County. This study focused on three aspects of performance namely timely completion, cost management, as well as quality. A desk-top literature review has been done where local as well as global perspectives have been looked at with the aim of filling a research gap. The study also sought to provide a conceptual framework that acted as a guide to the study. A descriptive survey design was used. Quantitative as well as qualitative techniques were used for data collection as well as data analysis. Data collection instruments that were used were close ended as well as open ended questionnaires. SPSS statistical tool was used for data analysis. The findings indicate that there is a strong positive relationship between project planning, stakeholder management, competence of project team and performance of the project. This study concluded that performance is a dependent variable that can be determined by several independent variables. Most of the property managers strongly agreed that planning as well as stakeholder management and competence of the project manager was essential in the performance of a project. The study recommended the use of multi criteria analysis during planning as well proper relationship management among all the stakeholders in the project. Further research should be done to find out the influence of the government in the performance of projects.