Mitigating Challenges in the Implementation of the One Stop Shop Model for Approval of Construction Projects in Kenya (a Case of Nairobi City County)

Abstract

Implementation of One Stop Shop (OSS) model has the potential of enhancing the building approval process. However, there are many challenges that impede its implementation. This study focusses on mitigating the challenges in the implementation of the OSS in the building approval process in Kenya. The study employed a qualitative research methodology based on the Systems theory, Coordination theory and Actor Network theory. Data was collected via questionnaires administered to 91 respondents (31 Architects, 48 structural engineers and 12 physical planners) as well as interview schedules with experts from the Architectural Association of Kenya, Nairobi Metropolitan Services and the State Department of Housing and Urban Development. The findings indicate that 94.3% of the respondents had acquired the necessary approvals. Majority of the respondents indicated that it took 3-4 months to acquire the approvals and over ksh.60, 000 as the average cost of approvals. The study established the following challenges in the implementation of OSS: lack of top management support; lack of collaborations between government agencies; resistance to change to electronic ways; poor security systems; threats and breaches; poor ICT infrastructure; high cost of implementation and maintenance of OSS; lack of qualified personnel to manage the OSS; digital divide; cultural issues and unprotected individual privacy. The study proposed the following strategies to mitigate the challenges in the implementation of OSS: enhancing collaborations between governments agencies involved in approval process; Improving ICT infrastructure; harmonization of laws in the built environment to avoid multiplicity of functions among various institutions; enhancing government support including funding, advocacy; developing and embracing technology by OSS developers; improving training programs for members of staff for the various institutions involved in approval as well as users on the importance of OSS; adopting comprehensive privacy and security policies and benchmarking with countries which have successfully implemented the OSS model. The study recommends that the Kenyan government should be keen to allocate adequate resources and prioritize the implementation of the OSS model in their development agenda. The government should also be keen to engage all the agencies, stakeholders as well as the professionals in the built environment to ensure that they get support to ease the implementation of the OSS. The study also recommends that harmonization of all construction laws and policies and its institutionalization under one government agency which will ease the implementation of OSS. This study provides insight for further study of technological advancements that can be implemented alongside the OSS model to enhance its effectiveness, such as the BIM technology and a study to investigate the performance and adequacy of the OSS at Mavoko, Machakos County, for they exclusively identify themselves as a OSS.