Delay Management as a Mitigation Strategy for Conflicts in Construction Projects in Kenya

Abstract

The problem of conflicts in construction projects is a fact that happens in many countries, one of which is conflicts associated ensuing from delays. Delay management is exceedingly arduous and remains ineffective as the majority of the construction projects are tardy in time performance. The study aimed to investigate the role of delay management in mitigating project conflicts caused by delay factors by examining the causes and management approaches to these delays during the project implementation process. Empirical evidence from a review of the literature has unveiled that delay conflicts have detrimental impacts. Consequently, understanding the causes of delay has become a critical component of improving the construction industry’s performance. In Kenya, more than 70% of projects being executed are likely to increase by a factor of more than 50% over time. The study embraced a cross-sectional research design. Questionnaires were sent to randomly sampled consultants, contractors, and project developers. The data collected was then analysed using the Relative Importance Index (RII) and Spearman’s rank correlation. The study established the inevitability of conflicts attributed to delays amongst project stakeholders, with delays in progress payments being the leading cause. Other factors in the top five list were; inadequate site management and control, delays in approving major changes in scope, materials price fluctuations, delays in handing over the site, and difficulties in financing the project. It is recommended that clients ensure that works are aptly planned and veritable costing executed during the pre-contract stage and that interim payment certificates are settled promptly within the defined time frame, both to avert invoking interest penalty clauses and also to promote better progress of the works, to ensure smooth completion. Additionally, the contractor should ensure proper planning and scheduling of the works, as well as effective site management and supervision. These results have significant consequences since they give practical, scientific, policy, and social values that contribute to a better understanding of delays and delay management from a global perspective