Determinants and successful completion of private commercial buildings construction in Limuru sub-county, Kenya

Abstract

Completion delays have been a persistent issue facing the private commercial construction sector in Limuru, with over 75% of projects exceeding scheduled timelines by six months or more in recent years. However, more research is needed to explore the underlying causes of such delays locally. This study aimed to identify and investigate key influencing factors through analysis of regulatory compliances, cost management practices, technology and tools, and team collaboration influencing the completion of commercial buildings. The study used questionnaires to collect data from 306 private commercial construction managers. Pilot testing was done in ten sites in Limuru subcounty that were randomly selected to evaluate and improve the study instruments before the actual study. Reliability was achieved through Cronbach alpha coefficient of average 0.873. Frequencies, percentages and means were used to analyze quantitative data and Chi-Square test to test the association between factors and completion of construction projects. Data collected was presented in frequency distribution tables. All ethical considerations were adhered to. Findings showed that majority of construction managers agrees that technology and tools, regulatory compliance, team collaboration and cost management influence the completion of private commercial buildings. Results also indicate that technology and tools, regulatory compliance and cost management are statistically significant associated with completion of private commercial buildings in Limuru subcounty. It was concluded that technology and tools, regulatory compliance, and cost management has a significant influence on the completion of private commercial buildings in Limuru subcounty. The study recommends that construction managers to update their knowledge on the new technological advancement, explore the importance of team collaboration among their construction workers and Ministry of housing and public works to make regulatory compliance processes less tedious. Policymakers need to prioritize tech adoptions incentives, streamline compliance through digitization, and cost management training to enhance efficiency in private commercial construction. The study empirically validates localized driver’s tech, compliance, and cost in Limuru, therefore offering actionable frameworks for emerging economies.