INFLUENCE OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY APPLICATION ON MANAGEMENT OF ROAD PROJECTS IN KENYA: A CASE OF NATIONAL HIGHWAY AUTHORITY

Abstract

The number of public road construction projects has been increasing in Kenya from one period to another. However, completion of projects within the cost budget allocated is always a challenge. Due to inadequacy of financial resources that exist in Kenya, cost overrun posts a major challenge in the completion of construction projects in Kenya. The purpose of undertaking this research study was to investigate on the influence of information and communication technology application on management of road projects in Kenya. The specific objectives of the study were to assess how electronic communication, electronic records management, supply chain integration and electronic procurement management application on the management of road projects in Kenya. A descriptive explanatory research design was adopted. The population of study included all staff in the headquarters of KeNHA. There are114 staff working in the headquarters of KeNHA. The sample size was determined by the Slovin's Formula. Stratified random sampling was adopted in the selection of a sample size of 88 staff. Both primary and secondary data were used. Primary data in this study was obtained by use of interview guides and administering questionnaires; the questionnaire comprised of unstructured and structured questions. Secondary data was obtained from KENHA reports for the last five years. Quantitative data was obtained and analysis was done by use of descriptive and inferential statistics such as correlation and regression analysis. This was achieved by using a statistical package for social sciences (SPSS version 20). Descriptive statistics included percentages, frequency distribution, standard deviation and means. The data obtained was presented by use of graphs tables. The study found that electronic communication has a significant influence on the management of road projects in KeNHA (β1=0.676, p-value=0.000). Also, the study established that electronic records management has an insignificant influence on the management of road projects in KENHA (β2=0.040, p-value=0.830). Further, the study established that supply chain integration has a significant influence on the management of road projects in KeNHA (β3=0.212, p-value=0.000). In addition, the study revealed that electronic procurement has a significant influence on the management of road projects in in KeNHA (β4=0.431, p-value 0.000). The study recommends that KeNHA should develop strategies to improve on stability of network which can be done by establishment .of other communication tools. The study also recommends that KeNHA should develop strategies on public procurement record keeping so as improve on electronic records management.