Factors Influencing Maintenance Of Bitumen Roads. A Case Of Kenya National Highway Authority Roads In Kisumu County, Kenya

Abstract

Construction and maintenance of infrastructure are critical in promoting economic growth and poverty eradication. Cost of production, creation of employment, market accessibility and investment depend on the quality of infrastructure, especially transport. Road networks form important link between production points and markets. The purpose of the study was to examine the influence of social economic factors on maintenance of bitumen roads in Kisumu County. The following specific objectives guided the study: To determine the influence of availability of funding, political leadership, availability of construction material and staff management competence on maintenance of bitumen roads in Kisumu county. The information gathered in this study was aimed at assisting the Kenya national highway authority Board of Directors and Management to closely monitor the changes of the bitumen road network. Descriptive research design is employed in this study. A target population of 54 respondents from Kenya highway roads authority and other stakeholders was used. The study used a census approach and all members of the target population included in the sample of study. Questionnaires were used in data collection. Raw data was first cleaned for errors, coded, analysed and categorized as per the research questions in order to simplify it for presentation. On ethics, initial approval was secured from the University of Nairobi. A research permit was sought from the NCST. The respondents were also assured that the information given was for research purposes only and was treated with utmost confidentiality. From the findings the study concluded that availability of funds, political leadership, availability of construction material and staff management competence positively and significantly influences maintenance of Bitumen roads in Kisumu County. The study recommends that: The road funding for the agency should be increased so that more bitumen roads to be routinely maintained to put in a good condition to speed up development. There is need to set up a special unit within the Road Agency that would manage and address all issues related to political interference so that public will get services without any discrimination. Being alive to the fact that the road authorities in Kenya were formed seven years ago through Act of Parliament, its successful existence cannot be fully concluded. There is need for further research on strategy implementation in the authority.