Development of Performance a Based Road Management System for Kenya

Abstract

Performance based road maintenance (PBRM) entails reinstating the level of service (LOS) of road asset items to defined performance targets with implication of payment reductions on noncompliance. One of the major challenges in highway transportation is road asset management. Maintenance of road assets to best possible condition at minimal cost keeps roads agencies continually searching for innovative approaches for optimum benefits. Many road authorities worldwide are abandoning traditional contracting methods for performance-based road maintenance (PBRM) contracting. High cost of maintenance, poor workmanship, low contractor motivation and reduced user satisfaction are major challenges facing both force account and unit rates contracting methods. Worldwide computer-based programs with modules on performance indicators, performance targets and payment reductions are used in monitoring PBRM works. The current system in Kenya is designed for management of road maintenance works under unit rates methods where payment is based on quantity of work done against mutually agreed unit rates. The objectives of this study were to develop a road management system for performance-based road maintenance and to assess the level of service of roads under PBRM in Kenya. Agile software development method was used to provide the computer-based solution. Qualitative methods were adopted in assessment of the level of service (LOS) of roads in determining conformance of actual performance to the target performance. The LOS of roads showed a performance index of 74.95% indicating noncompliance. A mean score of 63.3425 and 63.3417 for manual Road Management System (RMS) ratings showed insignificant difference demonstrating that both monitoring methods are reliable. At overall performance of 74.95% and non-assessment of LOS by roads agencies this study recommended that LOS must be assessed before payment of PBRM works and payment reductions applied for noncompliance. Monitoring of PBRM works should be carried out using RMS for time saving, increased accuracy and reduced staff. Approval of works at 25.05% below target performance raises the need to establish the extent to which financial losses and non-user satisfaction is experienced in PBRM practice. Further, there is need to enhance effectiveness of the developed road management system by incorporating remote sensing, georeferencing and photographic presentations to upgrade it from the physical data input.