Assessing the Level of Construction Mechanization in Kenya: A Survey of Highrise Building Projects in Nairobi

Abstract

This paper examines the construction mechanization level in high-rise building projects in Kenya. It focuses on Site Preparation and Earthworks (SPE), Scaffolding and Formwork (SF), Concreting (C), Walling (W), Plastering and Flooring (PF), Tiling and Painting (TP), and Building Services (BS). Mechanization, defined as the replacement of manual labour with machines, is analyzed through a quantitative survey involving 125 accredited construction site supervisors with the unit of analysis being the construction project. The findings reveal that SPE tasks predominantly utilize Hand Tools (43%) and Automated Hand Tools (41%), with Machines accounting for only 16%. Comparatively, SF tasks show slightly lower mechanization levels, primarily relying on Hand Tools (50%) and Automated Hand Tools (41%). Concreting is the most mechanized work category with most of the tasks primarily executed using Automated Hand Tools (67%) and Machine/Workstation (26%). Walling tasks mainly rely on Hand Tools (54%) and Automated Hand Tools (33%). PF, TP, and BS tasks predominantly rely on Hand Tools (70%, 77%, and 68% respectively). Consequently, more than half (53%) of the activities in the building construction sector in Kenya are carried out using Hand Tools. This is then followed by Automated Hand Tools with an approximate usage of 31%. Completely Manual methods and Machines (workstations) are used almost similarly at 9% and 7% respectively. None of the activities in construction are Completely Automated (robotized). The mechanization levels for the various work categories are as follows; SPE=52%, SF=47%, C=64%, W=48%, PF=41%, TP=38%, and BS=39%. The overall mechanization level for the construction industry of Kenya was found to be 47%, indicating a substantial reliance on manual methods. Despite the advantages of mechanization, such as improved efficiency and safety, its application in Kenyan construction remains limited. The study highlights the need for increased mechanization to enhance productivity and safety in construction practices