Contractor-Related Factors on Performance of Bridge Construction Projects in Kenya: Case Study of Kenya National Highways Authority

Abstract

Bridge construction projects face more challenges in their implementation compared to road and building projects. This is due to their complexity and iterative nature of implementation. There is global evidence showing that bridge construction projects perform poorly in both developed and developing economies, and this is based on a myriad of factors such as client-related factors, environment-related factors, project design, and contractor-related factors. Out of these, contractor-related factors have been shown to have a great influence on the performance of construction projects, but less empirical evidence exists in terms of bridge construction projects. Therefore, this study examined the influence of contractor related factors (staff, site, financial, and managerial factors) on performance of bridge construction projects. The theory of construction management and the theory of constraints are the theoretical underpinnings for this research. Descriptive research design was implemented targeting 18 bridge construction projects implemented at KeNHA from 2012 to 2023. A total of 18 projects and 144 key informants represented the research population. Out of the 144 participants, 98 respondents were involved in the survey. In the total 18 projects, 144 respondents represented the population. The actual sample size based on the respondents was 98 consisting of clients (19), consultants (14), contractors (8), engineers (39), environment and social guards (2), project managers (4), stakeholders (7), subcontractors (2), technical advisors (3), and 1 inspector. A self-designed structured questionnaire was administered to the respondents. Descriptive, Pearson (r) correlation, and ordinal least squares regression analysis were performed. The findings indicated that contractor-related factors explained 19.7% of variation in performance of bridge construction projects and was statistically significant at the 95% confidence level. It emerged that staff and management factors had a positive effect on bridge construction projects’ performance while a negative effect of financial factors was confirmed. Additionally, site factors did not have any effect on performance of bridge construction projects. The study concluded that staff and management factors had a positive outcome on performance of bridge construction projects while financial factors had a negative outcome on performance of bridge construction projects. Site factors had no relationship with performance of bridge construction projects. It is recommended that bridge construction companies should adopt flexible working hours for contractors to enable them to work with minimal interruptions that are associated with bridge construction projects. Second, policymakers should create policies that guide contractors in provision of safe working environments for their staff. Third, it is recommended that contractors should be provided with training to develop their skills in decision-making during the implementation of bridge projects. Lastly, it is recommended that the national construction agencies have a category for bridge contractors.