Investigating the Influence of Building Information Modelling (BIM) on Engineering Contract Management in Kenya: The Case of Nairobi County

Abstract

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is a technology and a process that has brought changes in the construction procurement system. Kenya lacks contractual guidelines on implementation of BIM, and this makes the adoption of BIM slow and difficult. Previous research on BIM has left a gap in contractual relationships, roles and resulting risks. The purpose of this study was to investigate how contractual roles and responsibilities are affected by BIM in relation to systems and structures. The objectives were to assess BIM adoption, determine underlying components in its adoption, investigate influence of BIM on Engineering Contract Management (ECM) in Nairobi, Kenya and to formulate a BIM adoption and implementation framework. The research was designed as a survey. It targeted an individual within eight strata that comprised of Civil Engineers, Construction Project Managers, Architects, Quantity Surveyors, Mechanical Engineers, Electrical Engineers, Contractors and Facility Managers. Data were collected through self-administered questionnaires with a sample size of 371 and in-depth interviews comprising of 10 knowledgeable persons. Descriptive analysis, correlation analysis, regression analysis and Exploratory Factor Analysis techniques were used to analyse quantitative data. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically. It emerged that BIM adoption level was at 56.6% and shallow understanding of BIM capabilities and the Traditional Procurement System (TPS) remain a barrier to its adoption and implementation. It was also established that BIM improves ECM; that is when time, cost, quality, collaboration and return on investment improve, ECM becomes effective and efficient. The underlying factors found in BIM and ECM relationship were legal implications, awareness and knowledge, efficiency, versatility, mandate and leadership, and competitiveness. Further, the study found out that BIM influence on ECM demands for establishment of standards, guidelines and legal framework which can be achieved by amending the Public Procurement Act. BIM needs a new system to perform in because it conflicts with the traditional system of procurement. The knowledge gained will be important to the construction industry professionals, clients, students, and the government towards the efforts of BIM adoption and implementation in Kenya. The study formulated a BIM adoption and implementation framework