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

Abstract

This study sought to assess the impact of post-award contract monitoring and evaluation on performance in the road construction industry in Kenya and to establish the moderating impact of regulatory framework adoption on the relationship between post-award contract monitoring and evaluation and performance of national government road construction projects in Kenya. The study was guided by stakeholder theory. Cross-sectional survey research design was adopted. The research paradigm for this study was positivist. 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-award contract monitoring and evaluation leads to a 0.924-unit (P < 0.05) improvement in project performance. Finally, it was found that regulatory framework moderates the relationship between post-award contract monitoring and evaluation and performance, signifying that an improvement in regulatory frameworks positively influences the impact of Post-award contract monitoring and evaluation on performance. To enhance project performance, government agencies should invest in robust monitoring systems that track project progress, compliance with contract terms, and budget adherence. Regular evaluations should be conducted to identify areas for improvement and to ensure that contractors are held accountable for their commitments. Furthermore, training and capacity building programs for project personnel in post-award contract monitoring and evaluation practices should be implemented to ensure that the process is carried out efficiently and effectively.

Key Words: Post-award contract monitoring and evaluation, Performance, Regulatory framework