Project Management Leadership and Successful Completion of Road Construction Projects in Kenya National Highways Authority

Abstract

Road construction projects in Kenya are facing problems of delays in their life cycle of implementation therefore not successfully completed. From previous studies done, several road projects do not get completed within the stipulated budget and timings and usually fail to meet the desired standards such as quality due to factors like inefficient time within the stipulated schedules, inadequate funds and lack of implementation facilities and equipment. The purpose of the study was to determine the relationship between project management leadership and completion of road construction projects in Kenya National Highways Authority. The specific objectives of the study; to determine the relationship between leadership skills and completion of road construction projects in Kenya National Highways Authority, leadership experience and completion of road construction projects in Kenya National Highways Authority, leadership control and completion of road construction projects in Kenya National Highways Authority and leadership style. This study was anchored on the following theories: Trait theory of leadership, Behavioral theory, Human Capital theory, and the Control theory. This study employed a descriptive survey research approach. The target population in this study was KeNHA and KURA road construction projects which totals to 184. The study used stratified sampling technique to choose a sample of 126 from the study population. The researcher used questionnaire to collect primary data. The data obtained for this research was analyzed using the statistical package for social science. The study concludes that leadership skills has a significant effect on completion of road construction projects in Kenya National Highways Authority. In addition, the study concludes that leadership experience has a significant effect on completion of road construction projects in Kenya National Highways Authority. Further, the study concludes that leadership control has a significant effect on completion of road construction projects in Kenya National Highways Authority. The study also concludes that leadership style has a significant effect on completion of road construction projects in Kenya National Highways Authority. Based on the findings, the study recommends that the management of KeNHA should ensure regular training of the project managers to equip them with the necessary skills to enhance successful project completion. In addition, the management of KeNHA should adopt effective leadership practices to ensure road projects are completed on time and within the set budget. Keywords: Project Management, Leadership Skills, Kenya National Highways Authority