An Investigation into the Causes of Delay in Large Construction Projects in Kenya

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.