Influence of Implementation of Devolution on Performance of Road Construction Projects in Kericho County, Kenya

Abstract

Implementation of devolved government functions has been appreciated in many countries in the world. However, there seems to be indications that full implementation of devolution process as a growth strategy is still a challenge to many countries including Kenya. The purpose of this study was to examine the Influence of Implementation of Devolution on Performance of Road Construction Projects in Kericho County. The objectives that guided this study included: To establish the influence of devolved procurement on the performance of road construction projects in Kericho County, to establish the influence of devolved resources on the performance of road construction projects in Kericho County, to establish the influence of devolved organizational leadership on performance of road construction projects in Kericho County and to establish the influence of monitoring and evaluation on the performance of road construction projects in Kericho County. The study utilized the institutional theory and systems theory in explaining behaviors on project success in the county. The target population was 120, which was also the sample size. Stratified and simple random sampling procedures were used to select the respondents for the study within Kericho county, department of public works, roads and transport. A questionnaire was used as data collection instrument whose validity and reliability was tested prior to the collection of data. The data was then analysed by descriptive statistics methods and presented in tables, pie charts and bar graphs showing frequencies, percentages and averages. The study established that Kericho County has strategic procurement plan of which the respondents agree that is not aligned with the county‟s vision and mission. The study also revealed that the top management supports the strategic implementation as strategies and tactics have seen to help achieve procurement goals. Respondents confirm that Kericho County has put in place some measurement to help assess the progress of procurement performance. However, the findings show that processing of finances after a contract completion is not quite fast and contractors complain. The study established that devolution of finances has enhanced allocation of adequate resources towards road construction projects and local contractors are now more interested in the road construction and maintenance tenders than before. However, there is no easy access to road construction materials as well as no enough supervisors for road construction projects and not well equipped with appropriate equipment within the Kericho County. The study also revealed that Kericho County is not yet efficient and effective in service delivery, which is a huge room for improvement. The study shows that there is public accessibility to leadership under devolution and county managers have provided good guidance on performance of road construction projects. The study established that county examines the procurement cycle to prevent fraud and has a close supervision of buys done as a method for controlling expenses and Road Construction Projects are assigned special supervisors to monitor and report on the projects progress. The study recommends that contractors should only take the number and sizes of projects that they can deliver in time and that they should consider political and business condition risks in their cost estimation to overcome delays in conveyance exuding from terminations and materials deficiency. Advisors should be more interested with arrangement cost by using multi criteria examination and picking the most monetary criteria to improve their execution and to fabricate proprietor's satisfaction. Proper leadership styles should be exercised for accountability and improved performance in delivery of service. This study will be of importance to industry players in developing road construction sector policies and frameworks. It will also help county and national governments, including corporations in delivery of quality and timely services. The study concluded that all the factors investigated under devolution had some influence on the performance of Road Construction Projects in Kericho County.