Design Control and Performance of Mega Dam Projects in Kenya
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47941/jepm.3677Keywords:
Design Control, Mega Dam Projects, Project, Design TheoryAbstract
Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess the influence of design control on performance of mega dam projects in Kenya.
Methodology: The study adopted a descriptive research design. The study targeted the 19 dam projects in the different counties in Kenya that were completed after independence. The study population was 300 project team members in charge of the projects. The study sample size was 171 respondents. The stratified random sampling was used to select the different project team members. Primary data was used in this study and it was collected using both closed and open questionnaire. Data was analyzed using the descriptive and inferential statistics. Pearson R correlation was used to measure strength and the direction of linear relationship between variables. Advanced statistical models that include diagnostic tests, multicollinearity and normality tests were conducted before performing the multiple regressions model. Multiple regression models were fitted to the data in order to determine how the independent variables affect the dependent variable. ANOVA was used to check the overall model significance.
Findings: The study found that design control positively and significantly influences performance of mega dam projects in Kenya.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Based on the findings, the study recommends that the management of mega dam projects in Kenya should prioritize thorough design reviews and approvals before and during implementation. This should include involving multidisciplinary experts in the design process, adopting advanced design technologies. The study contributes to theory by reinforcing contingency theory and establishing design control as a key determinant of mega dam project performance. Practically, it shows that strengthening design reviews, multidisciplinary involvement, and use of modern design technologies improves project outcomes. For policy, it recommends stricter regulations requiring mandatory design approvals and continuous compliance monitoring throughout project implementation.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Rose Kanini Mutiso, Dr. Peter Ngatia, Dr. Bernard Lango, Dr. Samson Nyang’au Paul
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