Factors influencing the utilization of completed projects in, Kilifi county, Kenya

Abstract

Construction industry involves complex and dynamic processes. Effectiveness of construction projects depend on coordination among parties involved. Successful completion of construction project leads to socio-economic growth, improved standards of living and creation of wealth. The study purported to investigate factors influencing utilization of completed projects in Malindi Constituency, Kilifi County. The objectives of the study were; to determine whether community participation, governance, lack of adequate feasibility study and lack of sustainable structures in undertaking projects influences utilization of completed projects. The study was delimited to completed projects in Malindi constituency. The target sample of the study was 337 respondents drawn from 6,633. The study was also delimited to two LATF projects which were 100% complete; Jimba dispensary and Gahaleni polytechnic projects. Empirical literature of scholars was reviewed and the gaps noted were documented. The study was based on critical path method and project evaluation and review technique as main theoretical models. A conceptual model was developed demonstrating interrelationship among the study variables. This was because the data from respondents was sample of the population and the researcher had no control of independent variables. The researcher tested hypothesis on the same at confidence level of 95%. The Study employed non-probabilistic sampling since the data could not be randomly selected. Purposive sampling was applied in order to collect data from specific respondents. The study used systematic sampling techniques and strata stratification. Each household formed a stratum. The study intended to get information from participants of the project. The study anticipated to be helpful to construction professional, project developers and other researchers. Taking confidence level of 95% and margin of error as 5% then sample size was 337 respondents. Data was collected using close-ended questionnaires. The researcher conducted pilot study to test the validity and reliability of the instrument. After data collection, data was cleaned, coded and analyzed using SPSS software version 19 to determine the relationship between independent and dependent variables. Conclusions of the findings of the study were that there was low community participation and failure of projects to satisfy community needs. Poor governance was rampant which hindered democracy, participation, rule of law and transparency in selecting contractor. Feasibility study was poorly conducted resulting to underutilization of the projects. There were no sustainability structures that could keep the projects running. The study recommended that community participation is essential when implementing projects. Good governance need to be instilled in execution of projects to avoid underutilization of projects. Best practices need to be employed when undertaking feasibility study since it is critical in the initial process of project implementation. Sustainable structures should be established when commencing project so that handing over may be conducted with ease. The study suggested further studies to be done on factors influencing utilization of projects in other counties in Kenya and also on other factors influencing utilization of projects in Kenya.