Abstract:
The construction sector is one of the important drivers of Kenya’s economic growth.
The sector is also an important pillar in the achievement of country’s vision 2030
due to its ability to provide many job opportunities. The construction sector is
characterized by time consuming and depletion of the material as a result of its
volatility and complexity caused by delays. There is therefore a direct link between
time and cost of completing a large construction project. This implies that as project
completion delays, costs involved in the project increase. Project delays are a
common and regular phenomenon in the Kenyan construction industry. Delays can
lead to many negative effects such as lawsuits between owners and contractors,
increased costs, loss of productivity and revenue, and contract termination. This
study was aimed at empirically investigating factors that cause delays in the
completion of large construction projects in Kenya.
The study adopted survey research method where structured questionnaire was
administered on a sample of 213 players in the construction industry. The 213
respondents comprised of 46 project owners, 15 consulting firms and 152 contacting
firms. The study results revealed that contract administration, finances, design
variation and technology significantly influence delays in the completion of large
construction projects in Kenya. Based on the study findings, the creation of effective
and efficient construction management structures was necessary. The study suggests
that when sourcing for a contractor to undertake a project, it is of paramount
importance to vet them and confirm that they have capacity to undertake the project
in question. The contractor should also show proof of competent and well educated
staff who have handled such projects to completion in the past. The contractor
should also show proof of appropriate equipment or ability to rent.
