RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS BY KENYA URBAN ROADS AUTHORITY IN NAIROBI CITY COUNTY, KENYA
Faith Mumbe Mbithi - Department of Management Science, Kenyatta University, Kenya/p>
Lucy Ngugi, PhD - Department of Management Science, Kenyatta University, Kenya
ABSTRACT
In Kenya, the road transport system is an important element for the country's development as it is among drivers of economic development and an important pillar for the implementation of the Big Four Development Programs. However, road construction projects were facing challenges of non-Completion. Most projects fail due to lack of adequate funds/financial constraints. Delayed project completion is another significant problem. The foremost purpose of the study was to assess the influence of resource management on the implementation of construction projects by the Kenya Urban Road Authority in the city of Nairobi. The study specific objectives were; to determine the influence of human resources, to determine the influence of financial resources, to evaluate the influence of technological resources and to determine the impact of physical resources on the execution of infrastructure projects at KURA in Nairobi City County, Kenya. The research was anchored by Stakeholder Theory, Resource Based-View (RBV) Theory, Theory of Change and SERVQUAL model. By using a descriptive research design, this research problem was investigated. The respondents were derived from KURA in Nairobi City County which would act as unit of analysis, consisted of 4 projects implemented by KURA from the year 2020 to 2023. Therefore, it comprised 388 respondents. To choose the sample respondents, a stratified sampling method was employed. This study utilized secondary and primary data. The study utilized a questionnaire as a means of data collection tool. The content validity test was hired to ascertain how well the data collection instrument was structured and to evaluate the reliability test of the questionnaire the investigator applied Cronbach's alpha, with a reliability index of at least 0.70. The collected data was analyzed descriptively and inferentially. Tables, bar graphs, pie charts, and written narratives were utilized to display the information. By presenting a cover letter to the university, the researcher asked for permission to gather data and acquire pertinent documents. Also necessary was a research license issued by the National Commission for Science, Technology, and Innovation. The data obtained from the participants was coded and safely stored away from those who were not involved in the research, thereby ensuring confidentiality. The study concludes that resource management practices have a significant influence on the success of project implementation at Kenya Urban Roads Authority in Nairobi City County. The results from model indicates a correlation coefficient (R) of 0.827, which signifies a strong positive relationship between the variables this suggesting that as the quality of resource management practices improves, project implementation success at KURA also improves. with a p-value of 0.000, which is less than the conventional alpha level of 0.05. This indicating the model is statistically significant, with human resources having the strongest influence, followed by financial, technological, and physical resources. The study recommended that Management should prioritize timely fund disbursement to project sites and enhance transparency in budget allocation and expenditure reporting. Digital financial management systems should be adopted to enable real-time budget tracking and variance analysis. Similarly, KURA should establish more rigorous financial oversight mechanisms, including regular budget reviews, variance analysis, and corrective action protocols to prevent cost overruns and ensure value for money.