| dc.description.abstract | Mega engineering projects are critical to success of any developed or developing
economy. Unfortunately, and despite their criticality, megaprojects are associated
with extremely poor design and delivery performance. Studies conducted with a view
to explore performance based issues in this regard are largely concentrated
internationally while Kenyan literature on the same remains scanty. Against this
backdrop, the present study set out to investigate the factors influencing the
performance of mega engineering projects with the reference to KenGen’s Olkaria
geothermal projects. The study adopted descriptive research design to collect research
data. This study targeted various stakeholders in the infrastructure development sector
and more specifically to the energy sector including; geoscientists, the drilling
engineers, project managers, project funders, environmentalists, the energy ministry,
the local governments and the citizens in the affected areas. Samples were identified
based on existing differences by use of a stratified probability sampling procedures as
well as purposive non-probability sampling procedure. Data was collected from
subjects and phenomena by use of self-administered questionnaires. Data was
analyzed using both descriptive and inferential techniques from which generalizations
were drawn about the behavior of various variables. The findings of the study are
presented in accordance with the variables and themes of the study. Findings reveal
that most mega engineering projects by the organization perform best in resource
utilization, followed by schedule performance, then societal and commercial viability.
It was also noted that a considerable number of projects are not completed within
budget. Finally, the study concludes that the most critical factors determining mega
engineering project performance according to the respondents include technology,
personnel training, physical infrastructure and procurement policy respectively. The
study recommends the adoption of infrastructure assessment systems to measure the
sustainability of available physical infrastructure in the event of mega project
developments; technology integration through the adoption of Project Management
Information Systems (PMIS); adoption of Web Service-based Procurement services;
and adequate training and development is thus crucial on matters relating to pertinent
mega project development concepts. | en_US |
