Factors influencing performance of informal labourers in the construction industry in Karatina Municipality, Central Province, Kenya

Abstract

Construction is a' wide industry and is composed of large segments such as Civil, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering and Building Construction. The activities of the Industry playa vital role in the process of economic growth and development created in the process of construction itself The industry is dominated by workers in both the formal and informal sectors.

This study therefore sought to investigate into factors influencing the performance of informa11abourers in the construction industry. The objectives of the study were to: Establish whether terms and conditions of employment applied influence the performance of informal labourers, establish the extent to which occupational health and safety related requirements affect the performance of informal labourers and establish whether inadequate organization culture influence the performance of informal labourers in the .construction industry.

Since the industry is wide, the study has been confined to informal labourers working in the building construction segment. The research adopted descriptive survey research design using both qualitative and quantitative research paradigms. Probability sampling design was used and was completed with stratified random sampling method. Questionnaires and an interview guide were used as data collection instruments and were pretested to ensure validity and reliability.

Qualitative Data was analyzed using descriptive content analysis while quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. The results from the data analysis were represented using frequency tables and percentages. From the findings the researcher recommended embedding of labour rights to the context of decent work through re-examination of the legal framework in favour of the informal labourers. The study suggests that further research should be carried out to establish; influence of the male gender in the construction industry, influence of apprenticeship training on the quality of the construction industry products and challenges affecting fostering of social dialogue at the different levels of the construction industry.