School of Architecture and Building Sciences (SABS)

Influence of Construction Mechanization on the Quality of Work Life and the Performance of Construction Workers in Kenya

2026-09-28T12:36:43Z

Influence of Construction Mechanization on the Quality of Work Life and the Performance of Construction Workers in Kenya Ndolo, Dennis Mumo Mechanization in the construction sector significantly impacts both the quality of work life and the performance of workers in Kenya. This study aimed to investigate the influence of construction mechanization on the quality of work life and the performance of workers on construction sites in Kenya. The specific objectives of the study included: (i) to establish the level of quality of work life and the performance of workers on construction sites in Kenya, (ii) to establish the extent of mechanization in construction projects in Kenya, (iii) to establish the effect of mechanization on the quality of work life and the performance of construction workers on sites, and (iv) to formulate a framework for optimizing the level of mechanization and manpower in construction projects in Kenya. The theoretical foundations draw from the human capital theory, the theory of capitalism, theory of induced innovation, and the socio-technical systems theory, emphasizing the interplay between technology and human factors in construction project management. This research was guided by the philosophy of positivism. A quantitative research strategy and survey research design were adopted. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected using questionnaires administered on construction sites. The findings revealed that labour efficiency in the studied construction projects ranged between 64.8% and 69.6%. The quality of work ranged between 59.6% and 62.8%. The overall level of the extent of training, skillset, and development among the construction workers was found to be 67.2%. The findings indicated that the qualitative aspect (effectiveness) of construction worker performance was lower than the quantitative aspect (labour efficiency) by 4 percentage points. The overall extent of fairness of compensation and reward systems, quality of working conditions, quality of health and safety, and the quality of welfare and social integration was 64.4%, 72.6%, 72.6%, and 71.0% respectively. Findings on the level of mechanization show that more than half (53%) of the activities in the building construction sector in Kenya are carried out using hand tools. None of the activities in construction are robotized. The overall mechanization level for Kenya's construction industry was found to be 47%, indicating a substantial reliance on manual methods. Correlation analysis showed no significant relationship between mechanization and labour efficiency. Regression analysis revealed three predictors with a significant relationship with construction worker performance. The study found that mechanization positively impacts the quality of working conditions for construction workers, but negatively affects compensation and rewards systems, health and safety, welfare and social integration. The study recommends that construction workers need to be regularly trained through comprehensive training programs that focus not only on new methods of construction but also on their career growth opportunities. This will help them not only improve their performance while utilizing machines but also improve their work-life in the modern construction workplace. Doctor of Philosophy in Construction Project Management

Development of an Urban Conservation Planning Framework Based on Heritage Values: A Survey of Historic Townscapes along the Kenya Railway

2026-09-28T09:24:48Z

Development of an Urban Conservation Planning Framework Based on Heritage Values: A Survey of Historic Townscapes along the Kenya Railway Obatsa, Allan Peter Kenya’s, the origins of urban development and its colonial railroad are inseparable. Despite this historic significance, townscape heritage around railway stations is at risk of loss, it remains unidentified and without a common conservation approach. The study examined the characteristics of selected heritage townscapes along the Kenya Railway, identified heritage values, determined conservation needs and developed a planning framework for the historic townscapes. Literature review showed that the survey of townscapes for heritage and their values is central to understanding their significance. A mixed-methods approach and a cross-sectional research design were adopted. Three towns, Limuru, Naivasha and Molo, were selected as purposive samples. Precincts around railway stations were delimited for each town, and data collected through observation guides, maps and interview schedules. 360 respondents were interviewed in representative population ratios of the towns: 70 in Limuru, 160 in Naivasha, and 130 in Molo. Heritage value attitudinal statements on a Likert scale were used. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) was used to determine latent values held for townscape heritage, while descriptive statistics were used to analyse the status of heritage and conservation needs. Findings revealed a heritage footprint of 10.3%, 8.4% and 19.4% for Limuru, Naivasha and Molo respectively. For the EFA, the Chi-Square test was significant (p < .05), and the null hypothesis that all variables are uncorrelated in the population and the correlation matrix is an identity matrix was rejected. Five main heritage values explaining 43.28% of the total variance were extracted from the factor solution. Their interpretation was: cultural continuity, functional-economic, identity, placeness and historicity. Additionally, three values; rarity, evidence and memory were identified to complete the spectrum of meanings. Five townscape conservation needs were determined: condition of walkways, capacity to provide employment, level of tourism, level of railway functions, and state of heritage and knowledge of heritage. A planning framework for the historic townscapes was formulated for the identification of heritage, and application of value-based conservation. It was concluded that there was a heritage footprint with significance to residents. In addition, the identified heritage values were interdependent and thematically communicated communities’ aspirations, and should guide the values-based approach to successful planning for historic townscapes. Recommendations were; integrating heritage surveys and conservation planning, responding to heritage values in conservation plans, and initiating urban development programmes that improve social-cultural dimensions, physical environment, accessibility, and economics. Suggested areas for further study were to establish lost heritage footprint over time, and to carry out a Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) to test the factor structure obtained through EFA. Keywords: conservation; heritage footprint; heritage values; historic planning; townscape heritage. Doctor of Philosophy in Urban Planning and Development

Enhancing Compliance of Construction Projects to Construction Industry Regulations in Kenya: A Case of Nairobi City County

2026-08-04T07:39:22Z

Enhancing Compliance of Construction Projects to Construction Industry Regulations in Kenya: A Case of Nairobi City County Kipchirchir, David Lagat This study critically examined regulatory compliance within Kenya's construction sector, driven by escalating concerns regarding project implementation and the persistent high incidence of building failures. The primary objective was to develop a framework to enhance regulatory compliance, thereby improving quality and safety on construction sites and ultimately reducing building collapses. The study utilised a multi-theoretical lens to evaluate behavioural and institutional compliance drivers. The outcome variable, level of regulatory compliance, was conceptualised through three variables: registration status of a construction project (RS), conditions at the construction project site (PS), and the status of the workforce at the construction site (CW). Nine determinants of regulatory compliance were identified from existing literature as: suitability of the project legal framework (SLF), proactiveness of regulatory agencies (PRA), efficiency in regulatory processes (ERP), conduciveness of the construction task environment (CTE), characteristics of the project client (CPC), competency of project leaders (CPL), goodness of construction labour (GCL), stability of the prevailing economic environment (SEE), and adherence to ethical factors (AEF). The study employed a quantitative research strategy and a cross-sectional research design to investigate compliance drivers. The target population comprised all construction projects in Nairobi City County enumerated in the National Construction Authority (NCA) 2023 database. Primary data was gathered through questionnaires administered to a randomly selected sample of construction site supervisors representing 261 projects, while objective secondary data was sourced from the NCAs OPRS. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), correlation analysis, and multiple regression analysis (MRA). The study revealed a significant lack of compliance at the project registration stage, with only 26.22% of projects being registered. Furthermore, a medium compliance rate of 64.75% was observed for registered projects during implementation, falling short of the industry's vision of at least 90% compliance. It was established that SLF, PRA, CTE, CPC, CPL, and GCL collectively accounted for 67.8% of the variability in regulatory compliance. Several significant barriers to regulatory compliance were identified, including bureaucratic hurdles, corruption, and financial constraints. In response, the study recommends a regulatory framework that advocates for a strategic shift from a deterrence-based approach to a mixed, responsive, and service-oriented framework. This new approach emphasises regulators assisting in compliance and leveraging technology to promote adherence. Moreover, the study proposes the conferment of regulatory responsibilities upon the project client, granting legal recognition to Project Execution Plans (PEPs), and institutionalising the role of regulatory compliance champions within project structures. This research, therefore, significantly contributes to the understanding of regulatory compliance in the Kenyan construction industry and offers practical measures for its enhancement, ultimately fostering safer construction practices. PhD in Construction Project Management

A Management Blueprint for Overcoming Challenges Associated with the Implementation of Construction Projects in Lamu County

2026-07-30T08:40:47Z

A Management Blueprint for Overcoming Challenges Associated with the Implementation of Construction Projects in Lamu County Mburu, Samuel Thande Kenya’s 2010 Constitution introduced devolution, creating 47 counties tasked with delivering localized development. Yet, in Lamu County, the implementation of construction projects has faced persistent challenges, undermining service delivery and socio-economic transformation. The objectives under study included: i.) To assess factors affecting the implementation of construction projects in Lamu County, (ii) To determine the challenges associated with project funding, managerial involvement, public participation, and devolution policies in the implementation of construction projects in Lamu County, (iii) To establish ways of overcoming the challenges facing the implementation of construction projects in Lamu County, and (iv) To develop a management blueprint for the implementation of construction projects in Lamu County. The research adopted a descriptive design, targeting all 390 employees of the Lamu County Government across eight ministries, who were involved in the delivery of construction projects. Data were collected through questionnaires and interviews, analyzed using SPSS for quantitative insights, and thematic analysis for qualitative perspectives. Findings revealed that project funding remains inconsistent, with budgets prepared but often inadequately aligned to project needs, while disbursements from the national treasury are frequently delayed or insufficient. Managerial involvement was found to be limited, with weak oversight, poor coordination, and inadequate technical capacity among county staff. Public participation, though mandated by law, was largely tokenistic, with citizens consulted but rarely empowered to influence decisions. Effective participation requires inclusivity, transparency, continuous engagement, and feedback mechanisms that ensure community input shapes outcomes. Devolution policies, while designed to empower counties, were hindered by conflicting national-county mandates and weak policy coherence. The study contributes a context-specific management blueprint integrating financial planning, participatory governance, leadership accountability, and policy alignment. Practically, this blueprint offers county governments, policymakers, and development partners a structured framework to enhance project success rates, reduce resource wastage, and strengthen citizen trust. For Kenya’s devolved units, the implications are significant: aligning budgets with realistic funding flows, institutionalizing meaningful public participation, and building managerial capacity are critical to sustainable project delivery. By situating Lamu’s experience within broader national challenges, the study provides actionable strategies for improving development outcomes in marginalized counties and advancing Kenya’s devolution agenda. Master of Construction Project Management