Resource Optimization Techniques and Sustainability of Gated Community Construction Projects in Nairobi County, Kenya

Abstract

Rapid urbanization in developing countries has made planners re-thing housing models that combine aesthetics, safety as well as reasonable costs. Gated communities are among the top most considered models when it comes to residential planning in Kenya. The study aimed to investigate how resource optimization techniques influence long-term viability of gated community building projects in Kenya’s Nairobi County. The focus was resource leveling. Research method adopted was descriptive survey. The investigation’s target audience and research participants were project managers, project supervisors, contractors and clients. The target population consisted of 1204 respondents broken down as 16 project managers, 31 project supervisors, 21 contractors and 1136 customers. After computation, the sample size of 849 was arrived at using Yamahe (1967) formulae. Data was collected using questionnaire and primary data was obtained from Knight Frank database. Descriptive statistics, such as frequency, percentage distributions, mean values, and standard deviations were used. Additionally correlation was used to determine relationships between variables. Findings showed that there was a significant correlation between resource leveling and project sustainability (r = 0.627, p = 0.000). The study concluded that resources are moved from non-critical to critical activities; efficient operations and the successful completion of projects are supported by proper equipment distribution. The study recommends that, to increase sustainability of projects, project managers, contractors, and supervisors should make sure that roles are clearly defined for individuals, teams, tasks and departments.