Institutional Factors Influencing Completion Of Kenya Rural Roads Authority Projects In Ruiru Sub County, Kenya

Abstract

Infrastructure is an important factor in development of any given nation. The Kenya Government has invested heavily and continues to invest in infrastructure. The purpose of the study was to establish the institutional factors influencing completion of KERRA (Kenya Rural Road Authority) projects in Ruiru Sub County, Kenya. Despite the importance of infrastructure and the billions of dollars committed to it, projects are never completed on time. Unfortunately this has a negative effect because delayed completion of projects results in time overrun, cost overrun, disputes, litigations and sometimes complete abandonment of important projects. The objectives of the study was to establish how management structure, resource availability, technological advancement and bureaucracy influence the completion of KERRA projects. The study used the descriptive survey design using both qualitative and quantitative approaches. The study used census survey since the population was small and less than 200. The study utilized both primary and secondary data collection methods. The primary data was collected using questionnaires. Secondary data was derived from the organization’s records. Statistical methods of analysis such as frequency distribution, percentages, mean, were used to analyze quantitative data. Qualitative data generated from questions were organized into themes, categories and patterns pertinent to the study and was then analyzed by descriptive methods. SPSS version 20.0 was used for data analysis. The results from the data analysis were presented using tables and charts. From the findings, the management skills, resource availability, technological advancement and bureaucracy influence the completion of KeRRA projects to a very great extent. The study concluded that the above institutional factors have a significant influence on project timelines, budget and quality. Institution management structure effects on Completion of Rural Road Projects. The results established that resources human, technical, materials and financial resources can have a major influence on project schedules, the research established that engaging project team members is the foundation to project success. Setting key performance/productivity indicators for the performing team as a whole. The study established that in road engineering there is adoption of road safety, environmental and socio-economic technological designs. The study revealed that delays in releasing of funds due to long approval procedure affected the completion of rural road projects. The study established that bureaucracy in administrative procedures affects institutional efficiency. Based on the objective of the study, the study concludes that management structure influences the completion of rural road projects. The study concluded that resource availability can have a major influence on project schedules. Efficient and effective use of resources can often make or break a project. Based on the objective of the study, the study concludes that management structure influences the completion of rural road projects. The institutional resource availability at Ruiru Sub County has a significant impact on completion of rural road projects in the area. The study concluded that institutional technological advancement at Ruiru Sub County on completion of rural road projects in Ruiru Sub County influencing timely completion of Ruiru Sub County rural road projects in rural areas. The study concluded that bureaucracy in administrative procedures, approvals, financial disbursement, procurement procedures and project supervisory hindered completion of rural road projects in Ruiru.