Influence of Operational Factors on Implementation of Road Projects in Kenya: A Case of Nyanza Sugar-Belt Road

Abstract

In Kenya, numerous complaints, delays in planned output deliverables and subpar cost effectiveness continue to be re-emerging issues among road projects. For instance, KeNHA had to postpone the beginning of the construction of the 63-kilometer sugar belt road in the Nyanza project due to a delay in approvals. Despite numerous research examining the success elements for road project management, there is no consensus on which exact operational factors affect the implementation process. In addition, though prior research has been undertaken concentrating on roads funded by KeRRA (Kenya Rural Roads Authority), KURA, and KeNHA under the Ministry of Transport, Roads, and Infrastructure, none has concentrated on the variables affecting the implementation of Nyanza Sugar-Belt Road project. The main objective of the study was to determine the influence of operational factors on implementation of road projects in Kenya: a case of Nyanza Sugar-Belt Road project. The specific objectives of this study were to determine the influence of regulatory compliance, financing, social political factors and project design on implementation of the Mamboleo – Miwani – Chemilil – Muhoroni – Kipsitet road project referred to as the Nyanza Sugar-Belt Road. The study was guided by four theories including Resource-Based View theory, Theory of Project Implementation, Agency Theory and Systems Theory. The study followed a descriptive research design approach with the study site being the Nyanza Sugar-Belt Road. The target respondents were drawn from construction stakeholders, contractors and local community representatives involved in the Nyanza Sugar-Belt Road project. This entailed a total of 73 respondents who were selected using census sampling.  Data was collected using questionnaires and analysed using descriptive and inferential analysis. Tables and figures were used in presentation of the research findings. From the correlation analysis, the study found out that all the variables including project design, regulatory compliance, financing, social political factors had a positive significant effect on the implementation of Nyanza Sugar-Belt road project (p<0.01). The regression analysis also found out that the operational factors studied explained 67.3% of the variations in the implementation of Nyanza Sugar-Belt road project (R2=0.673).  This implies a strong positive relationship between operational factors and the implementation of the Nyanza Sugar-Belt road project. The study concludes that the success of road projects in Kenya depends not only on the technical aspects of the project design but also on the wider contextual factors that affect the implementation process. This highlights the importance of a holistic approach to road project implementation that takes into account both technical and operational factors. The study recommends that road projects in Kenya should have well-thought-out designs that take into consideration factors such as terrain, traffic volume, and environmental impact, among others. The study recommends increased regulatory oversight and compliance monitoring to ensure that road projects are implemented according to established standards and regulations. To strengthen financing mechanisms, the study recommends that the Kenyan government to explore innovative financing mechanisms such as public-private partnerships, crowdfunding, and other sources of funding. The Kenyan government is recommended to invest in effective stakeholder engagement strategies to ensure that community concerns are addressed. Additionally, given that all the operational factors studied had a significant positive effect on the implementation of the Nyanza Sugar-Belt Road project, it is recommended that project management practices be strengthened to ensure that road projects are effectively planned, implemented, and monitored.