POST-AWARD CONTRACT RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT AND PERFORMANCE OF NATIONAL GOVERNMENT ROAD PROJECTS IN KENYA; MODERATING ROLE OF REGULATORY FRAMEWORK ADOPTION

Abstract

Road construction projects in Kenya have been getting sustainability warning owing to poor quality standards. With a dearth of studies on the effects of post contract, this study sought to fill the gap by, establishing the impact of post-contract relationship management on performance of national government road construction projects in Kenya and to establish the moderating impact of regulatory framework on the relationship between post-contract relationship management and performance of national government road construction projects in Kenya. The study was guided by stakeholder theory. The target population for the research was all 255 on-going road projects by road agencies in Kenya which are Kenya National Highway Authority (KeNHA), Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA) and Kenya Urban Roads (KURA). Therefore, the target population was 255 road projects. The overall sample size for this study was determined using the Nassiuma (2000) formula. The sample size for the study was 127 projects. This study used stratified random sampling technique to select the sample. Primary data was obtained utilizing a semi-structured questionnaire. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25 software was used to analyse the data. Qualitative data was analysed using content analysis and presented in prose form. Qualitative data was analysed using descriptive and inferential analysis. Pearson correlation coefficient was used for testing strength and direction between the independent and the dependent variables. A multiple regression model was used to test the significance of the influence of the independent variables on the dependent variable. The findings were presented in Tables and figures. The study found that a unit increase in post-contract relationship management resulted in a 0.782-unit (P < 0.05) improvement in project performance. Further regulatory framework moderates the relationship between post-contract relationship management and performance, signifying that an improvement in regulatory frameworks positively influences the impact of contract management on performance. National government agencies overseeing road projects should recognize the importance of strong and collaborative relationships with contractors and suppliers. To improve project performance, these agencies should foster an environment of trust and cooperation through effective communication and conflict resolution mechanisms. Encouraging open dialogue and the sharing of ideas can lead to innovative solutions and better project outcomes. Additionally, agencies should consider establishing long-term partnerships with contractors who consistently demonstrate a commitment to quality and timely project delivery.

Key Words: Regulatory framework, Post-contract relationship management, Performance, National government road construction projects