Investigating the Adequacy of Construction Planning in Kenya

Abstract

This study investigated the adequacy of construction planning in Kenya. The growth of a country’s economy depends on the performance of major sectors that constitute it and in Kenya; infrastructure is one of the major sectors. Deficient planning techniques are commonly blamed for contractors’ poor performance. The contractors’ inadequacy emanates from: inexperience, incompetence, inappropriate planning techniques application, planning challenges, inadequate understanding of factors influencing construction planning and poor understanding of construction planning success indicators. The objectives of the study are to describe the level and adequacy of the planning activity, assess the factors that influence the adequacy of the planning activity and highlight the relationship between the activity and the factors. A survey research design using a questionnaire administered to 60 No. active contractors was adopted. The contractors selected by stratified random sampling, from NCA1, NCA2, NCA3, NCA4, NCA5 and NCA6. The study established thirty three (33No.) factors that influence construction planning. Data analysis techniques employed include descriptive statistics and analysis. Key players in construction planning were identified as the contractors. In addition the findings revealed that emphasis should be put on the sequencing of activities, work breakdown and activity durations. These findings indicate that planning methods are not adequately undertaken by the contractors in construction industry in Kenya. The study recommends that investigations on the construction planning methods should be undertaken to determine if they are adequate to be used by the contractors. Mitigation measures to address this were identified as reviews of construction planning processes and institutionalisation of these planning processes. It’s recommended that contractor’s should enhance their construction planning strategies and establish a good enabling environment for the execution of the construction planning activities.