Influence of Contractors’ Experience, Obstruction of Road Construction Sites and Project Specification Changes on Completion of Road Construction Projects in Kakamega County

Abstract

Both national government and county governments are committing a lot of resources towards infrastructure projects, specifically on road construction sector. Hence, timely finishing of the projects is important. The research sought to establish influence of contractors’ experience, obstruction of road construction sites and project specification changes on completion of road construction projects in Lurambi sub-county in Kakamega County. Lurambi is one of the twelve sub-counties forming Kakamega County namely: Ikolomani, Khwisero, Malava, Lugari, Shinyalu, Navakholo, Mumias east, Mumias west, Matungu, Likuyani, Butere and Lurambi. Kakamega town falls under the Lurambi sub-county. Specific objectives included influence of contractors’ experience on project completion, effect of obstruction of road construction sites on project completion, and how change in project specifications impacts road completion projects in Kakamega County. Descriptive research design was adopted for the study where purposive and systematic random sampling techniques were applied to select 92 respondents. A questionnaire was employed in data collection and descriptive analysis carried out using SPSS computer software. Analyzed quantitative data was presented using tables whereas qualitative data was presented using narratives. Throughout data collection process, all ethical considerations were observed. The interviewee had to consent first to be interviewed, they were informed what the research was about, they were assured that their identity would not be revealed and the information collected would only be used for the intended purpose and be held in confidence. The findings revealed that contractors’ experience, obstruction of construction sites and change of project specifications significantly influenced completion timelines of the projects. Eighty-eight (88%),76%, and 44% of the respondents respectively agreed that contractors’ experience, obstruction of construction sites, and project specifications greatly influenced projects’ completion schedules. Specifically, inexperienced contractors could not easily adjust to changing dynamics, such as rainy weather which often made it difficult to transport construction materials and machinery to the sites. Furthermore, such eventualities as land conflicts and negotiations for compensation of land for the affected community members sometimes turned to be too complicated for some contractors to handle in good time to allow progress of construction. Unexpected change of project specifications due to such issues as increase of price of some of the key construction materials led to review of initial plans, hence causing delays in completion. The research concluded that there was need for the government as a client to carefully vet contractors’ experience and capacity before they are awarded contracts. This would also ensure that they have the right skills and machinery for effectively executing their mandate. Careful initial design and planning of projects would also avoid unnecessary change of specifications of project, which could cause delays in completion. The findings of the research are useful for policy formulation in the road construction industry, as well as acting as reference material for future researches.