Resource Planning and Collapse of Buildings in Kiambu County, Kenya

Abstract

Purpose: The research sought to find out the impacts of resource planning on building collapse in Kiambu County, Kenya. Therefore, this research aimed to establish the impact of resource planning on building collapse in Kiambu to be able to advise on how to contain the problem and enhance the non-collapse of such buildings. Methodology: In this study, the authors adopted a simple random sampling technique to identify construction projects in Kiambu County based on Kahneman and Tversky’s Scheduling Fallacy Theory that covers problems such as over-optimism and false resource forecasting on resource requirement necessary for efficient completion of the project. The descriptive research method was also used in the study since it included both qualitative and quantitative data. The population of the study consisted of 545, which included the employees from the physical planning department, architects, surveyors, engineers, and contractors’ builders, and finally the sample size came to 231 as estimated By Yamane, 1967. Findings: The research findings revealed that poor resource management has partly influenced building failures. Attempts by the contractors to solve the problem and eradicate the vice have been frustrated by the locals and politicians for their selfish reasons which have not been highlighted in this study. The research also pointed out that handling of resources reveals the highest mean score of 4.1773 this means that most respondents hold positive attitudes towards their practice of resource planning. Unique Contribution to Theory, Policy, and Practice: The Scheduling Fallacy Theory of 1979 by Kahneman and Tversky was utilized to examine the construction collapses of Kiambu County and the cognitive biases of underestimating time, resources, and costs in construction projects. The study suggested that strict adherence to building codes, better regulatory standards, risk evaluation, and better resource allocation are needed. Prevention was recommended through cross-sector collaboration of government, developers, contractors, and regulatory bodies alike. Empirical research into resource planning faults and their impact on structural integrity was proposed.