PROJECT MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AND SUSTAINABILITY OF BUILDING PROJECTS IN KENYA: A CASE STUDY OF CONSTRUCTION FIRMS IN NAIROBI COUNTY, KENYA

Abstract

Purpose of the study: The research aimed to evaluate the impact of project management practices on the sustainability of building projects among selected firms in Kenya, with a focus on those situated in Nairobi County. The specific objectives of the study were to find out the effects of technology adoption, capacity planning, resource allocation, and the role of stakeholder involvement in influencing the sustainability of building construction projects among selected construction firms in Kenya.

Methodology: The chosen research design was descriptive. The target population was 18 construction companies and the unit of analysis was these companies, while the unit of observation included top-level management, site managers and site foremen. A purposive sampling technique was used to select 216 participants. Data was collected through closed-ended questionnaires. SPSS was used for data analysis, involving descriptive and inferential statistics.

Findings: The correlation results showed that technological adoption (r=0.705, p=0.000), capacity planning (r=0.610, p=0.000), resource allocation (r=0.642, p=0.000), and stakeholder involvement (r=0.556, p=0.000) are positively and significantly associated with the sustainability of building construction projects. The regression results showed that technological adoption was positively and significantly related to the sustainability of building construction projects (β=0.289, p=0.000). Additionally, capacity planning exhibited a positive and significant relationship with sustainability (β=0.151, p=0.006). Resource allocation demonstrated a positive and significant relationship with sustainability (β=0.219, p=0.000). Stakeholder involvement was positively and significantly related to sustainability (β=0.142, p=0.001).

Conclusion: The study concludes that technological adoption, capacity planning, resource allocation, and stakeholder involvement have a significant positive effect on the sustainability of building construction projects among selected construction firms in Kenya.

Recommendations: The study recommends that construction firms in Kenya actively pursue and invest in the adoption of advanced technologies, such as Building Information Modeling (BIM) systems, digital tools for project monitoring, and stakeholder collaboration platforms, to enhance sustainability. The study also recommends implementing robust capacity planning strategies, including the use of appropriate tools and techniques and adjustment of plans, and optimization of resource allocation to streamline operations and enhance resource efficiency.

Keywords: Technological adoption, capacity planning, resource allocation, stakeholder involvement, building construction projects, Nairobi County, Kenya