Effect of Public-Private Partnerships on Sustainable Performance of Road Agencies in Kenya

Aim: This study examined the effect of public-private partnerships (PPPs) on the sustainable performance of road agencies in Kenya. Methods: A correlational design was adopted, targeting 216 heads of directorates from KeNHA, KURA, and KeRRA. Data were collected via structured questionnaires (97.2% response rate, n=210) and analysed using multiple linear regression. Results: PPPs had a significant positive effect on sustainable performance (R²=0.454, F(4,205)=42.62, p<0.001). Contract agreement (β=0.299, p<0.001) and stakeholder management (β=0.298, p<0.001) were the strongest predictors, followed by risk allocation (β=0.184, p=0.005) and project financing (β=0.180, p=0.005). All VIF values were below 1.15, confirming no multicollinearity. Conclusion: PPPs significantly enhance the sustainable performance of road agencies, with contractual and relational governance equally critical. Risk allocation and financing play supporting roles. Recommendations: Road agencies should strengthen contract agreements, institutionalize stakeholder engagement, integrate risk management within governance frameworks, and recognize the limits of financing mechanisms in achieving sustainability.