Factors Influencing Implementation of Infrastructural Projects: a Case of Road Construction in Machakos County, Kenya

Abstract

Transport and infrastructure development projects have become central in the progress agenda for Kenyan Counties, in particular Machakos County. The research project sought to offer an insight into road projects executed in Machakos County and methodologies used in implementation. The dependent variable discussed was the implementation of road infrastructure projects while the independent variables include; project needs assessment, design methodology, stakeholder engagement, monitoring & evaluation, and post review systems of road infrastructural projects. A descriptive research design was employed to conduct the study. Structured questionnaires and interviews were used in collection of qualitative and quantitative data. The participants for the study included 14 county engineers employed on permanent basis by Machakos County Government, 40 ward representatives from the elected Machakos County Assembly members, and 14 road contractors who have completed construction of road project to bituminous standards. The target population was 68. Due to the small population and the need to increase data accuracy so that true findings would be acquired, a population census was conducted. The data acquired was analysed using percentages, frequencies, and presented in tables. The study based its conclusions on primary data sources retrieved from questionnaires administered with the aid of research assistants. The success of the dependent variable, which is implementation of road infrastructural projects, was based on user satisfaction, economic growth and expansion, and ability to ensure seamless connectivity within Machakos County. The study concluded that although project needs assessment was considered vital for the successful implementation of projects, it was not carried out while implementing road projects. Similarly, the study findings indicated that design methodology was ignored as evidenced by the absence of preliminary and as-built drawings, which is an indication that material investigation, traffic survey, engineering survey, and hydrological survey were not carried out. The study demonstrated the evidence of stakeholders being involved, but the participation was only limited to the prioritization stage. Most of the stakeholders were not involved during and after implementation of road projects, making it difficulty to check conformity of the road project to the initially agreed deliverables. Monitoring and evaluation models for checking project status, time, and cost were absent with an insufficient management and maintenance system for implementation of road projects. The study concluded that post review systems were not used as a means to learn from past mistakes and to discern best practices for replication in the future. It was recommended that that human resource capacity, technical and financial feasibility be carried out prior to implementation of road projects to avoid project from stalling midway by ensuring there is adequate funds and sufficient personnel. The study also recommended that material investigation, traffic survey, engineering survey, and hydrological be carried out by separate teams who would consolidate their report and offer a preliminary design that can be used as a benchmark for implementation. The study also recommended the involvement of stakeholders beyond the prioritisation stage and the use of monitoring and evaluation tools to check whether the project was within the required cost limit and period. Ultimately, the study concluded that short and long-term appraisal to be carried out with economic indicators to show that implemented road projects have achieved the perceived socio-economic goals