KNOWLEDGE APPLICATION AND PERFORMANCE OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROJECTS IN NAIROBI METROPOLITAN AREA, KENYA

Caroline Mutio Makau, Dr. Hillary Chakava Masaya

Abstract


Knowledge management is a systematic process whose purpose is to acquire and organize both tacit and implicit knowledge to enable other employees use the same so as to be more effective, productive and able to sustain competitive advantage. The general objective of this study was to explore the relationship between knowledge application and performance of affordable housing projects in Nairobi Metropolitan Area, Kenya. The study was guided by Strategic Knowledge Management Theory. This study employed a cross-sectional research design. It targeted senior employees of the ongoing affordable housing projects being implemented in Nairobi metropolitan area who were 128 in number. As such, the study opted for a convenience sampling approach, where a senior employee of each identified AHP was visited and given a questionnaire to fill. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used in the data analysis with the results presented in forms of tables and charts. The results of the regression analysis show a strong relationship between knowledge management practices and the performance of affordable housing projects in the Nairobi Metropolitan Area, with an R-square value of 0.766. Knowledge application, had a significant positive impact on project performance, with p-values less than 0.05 and the standardized beta coefficient for knowledge application was β = 0.377). The model’s overall fit is supported by a low standard error of estimate (0.10429), indicating reliable predictions. These findings highlight the critical role of effective knowledge management in enhancing the success of affordable housing projects. The study concludes that knowledge application has a significant effect on performance of affordable housing projects in Nairobi Metropolitan Area, Kenya. . This study recommends that organizations should integrate structured processes for applying knowledge gained from past projects into new project planning and execution. This can be achieved through regular project reviews, case study analysis, and the development of standardized frameworks that incorporate best practices. Furthermore, project teams should be trained on how to effectively utilize lessons learned to improve efficiency, reduce errors, and enhance the overall success of affordable housing initiatives.

Key Words: Knowledge management, Knowledge Application, Performance, Affordable Housing Projects, Nairobi Metropolitan Area.


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