Model for Evaluating Performance of Construction Projects initiated by the Constituencies Development Fund in Kenya: A Case Study of Siaya County

Abstract

Evaluation of projects initiated by the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (CDF) is critical to the assessment of their performance levels, offer public accountability, maximize benefits and generate feedback for future improvements. Despite providing for public participation in monitoring and evaluation of the projects, the CDF Act does not provide a framework to be followed.This situation has led to individuals and organizations giving their subjective outcome of evaluations based on varied criteria. As a result, the criteria for evaluating the performance of construction projects executed through the CDF remains vague. For this reason, this study aimed at developing a standardized post-project review framework that can be utilized to evaluate the performance of construction projects initiated by CDF and identify the project management practices (performance factors) that are critical for the success of the projects. The specific objectives were: (1) to describe performance criteria for construction projects initiated by CDF; (2) to describe the determinants of performance for the construction projects; (3) to explain the relationship between project performance and its determinant factors; and (4) to develop a regression model for evaluating project performance. Similarly, the study reviewed related pieces of literature focused on performance evaluation of similar projects to identify the various types of frameworks that have been developed over time and assessed each for its suitability in evaluating the performance of CDF construction projects. However, none of the existing frameworks was found to suit the evaluation of the performance of CDF construction projects. Besides, the study proposed an eclectic conceptual framework which is a modification of Baccarin's model of measuring construction project performance. The conceptual framework is for post-implementation review and forms the basis on which the variables measured during fieldwork were developed. The study drew evidence from survey responses of 51 construction projects within Siaya County in Kenya. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software was then used to analyze the data, and the research findings generated presented in tables and figures. The study sampled all the 51 projects for analysis. Besides, the research also utilized descriptive and inferential analysis methods in data synthesis. Under the inferential analysis, Pearson’s correlation and Regression analysis were used to determine the significant factors affecting the performance of a project as well as establish a predictive model. Descriptive statistics, such as mean and variance, were used to describe project performance and the factors determining the performance of a project. The findings of this study sought to benefit project implementers, members of the public, policymakers as well as academia as it forms a basis for further research.