In Summary
- New book exposes Kenya’s construction delays and overspending.
- Experts call for better planning, skills, and accountability.
- Professionals urge shift from flashy launches to project completion.
Kenya’s construction sector is under intense scrutiny following the launch of Eliminating Project Delays and Cost Overruns, a new book by Nashon Okowa, a 15-year veteran project manager and former chairman of the Association of Construction Managers of Kenya.
The book challenges the culture of inefficiency, under-planning, and abandonment that has derailed countless projects across the country.
“If you throw a stone randomly in Kenya, it will likely hit a stalled project. We behave as if finishing a project on time is a criminal offense,” Mr. Okowa stated.
He emphasized that professionalism and project management skills are crucial if Kenya is to catch up with Countries whose development is driven by expertise and discipline.
Poor Planning And Financial Gaps To Blame
Speaking at the launch, Murang’a County Speaker Johnson Mukuha stressed that, better planning and budgeting are vital to reversing the trend of incomplete projects.
“If you have 14 hours to cut a tree, spend 13 hours sharpening the axe. Many projects begin without proper financing, leading to substandard work that never ends,”Mr. Mukuha asserted.
Mukuha encouraged young professionals to prioritize quality and sustainability over prestige or quick pay.
“Do small projects well and build your name. Don’t compromise just to satisfy a budget,” Mukuha added.
Call For Professionalism And Accountability
On his part, George Arabu who is the President of the Architect Association of Kenya, said the country is in a construction boom but warned that the quality of many projects is lacking.
“We are building cities at a crazy rate, but we’re doing it wrong. We will be judged by our work. Let’s reject poor quality together, like a choir,”Arabu noted.
he further called for a unified industry approach to eliminate shoddy projects, and ensure ideas are implemented in sync.
Startling Statistics Show Urgent Need For Reforms
Despite the skills and experience available in Kenya, the scale of stalled and delayed projects remains alarming. According to the Parliamentary Budget Office, over 4,500 public projects across Kenya are incomplete,and that would require more than Kes. 4.2 trillion.
The African Construction Report 2023 further notes that 87% of Kenyan projects face delays, nearly 100% in some public sectors.
These figures underscore the urgent need for reform, better planning, and accountability across the construction and real estate sectors.
