Assessment of the Ministry of Public Works Supervision Capacity in the Construction of Public Buildings in Kenya

Abstract

Quality supervision is utilization of available resources effectively and efficiently. It has a major influence on the overall performance of building projects. Inadequate supervision, or lack of it cost huge sums of money which can not be divested. It is believed to be one of the major causes of poor project implementation, missed objectives of the projects and project failure in terms of schedule, budget, quality and safety. Consequently, inadequate professional supervision will result in material wastage, re-work, project abandonment or stalling of public building projects. The loss through project failure has a crippling effect on the economic growth of the country and militates against the realization of millenium Development Goals and Kenya Vision 2030. The purpose of this study is to critically assess the efficiency of Ministry of Public Works (MOPW) to supervise public building projects in Kenya, with a view of identifying and prioritizing factors and practices that have the potential for improving supervisory effectiveness in the delivery of public building projects. To achieve the study goal, a survey in a case study design was used. Purposive sampling which is a non-probability sampling technique was used to collect data directly from respondents drawn from MOPW building department, selected client ministries and contractors representatives. Secondary data was obtained from documents obtained from contract office, forward planning and departmental registry. A sample size of 40 respondents comprising Architects, Engineers, assistant Architects, assistant Engineers and clerks of works were used for this survey. The research findings revealed that MOPW organizational structure was not effective in a number of critical areas including teamwork; problem identification, reporting relationship and communication; timeliness, procurement process of plant and equipment; staff stagnation and inflexibility among other areas. The workload is eschewed with a huge staffing gap of 86% . The extent of new technology uptake in project management, supervision and decision-making tools, equipment and techniques is as low as 25%. Further, the study showed that project supervisors, despite having technical training and many years of experience, have had little continuous professional development training. The study therefore recommends that flexibility be in-built in its organizational structure to enhance inter-linkages between staff. The study also recommends that the Ministry should ensure full implementation of its training policy by objectively identifying the training needs for project supervisors. The trainings must aim at bridging the skill gap of project supervisors on contemporary project management tools and should be done regularly. The study recommends that MOPW develop a comprehensive manual to guide in building projects supervision to avoid subjectivity in supervision and ensure uniform standards and quality in the buildings projects. Further, the study recommends that MOPW incorporate in its systems the principles of project management. Finally, The study recommends that MOPW look for more innovative ways of closing the technical staff gap including re-training the already employed staff to built capacity, employing young staff and ensuring that they are retained to reduce the huge workload currently being witnessed in the ministry. Key words: project management, public building projects, supervision