Strategic Management Practices Influencing Implementation of Road Maintenance Projects in Kiambu County, Kenya

Purpose: The general objective of this study is to establish the strategic management practices influencing implementation of road maintenance projects in Kiambu County, Kenya. Specifically, the study sought to investigate whether staff competence and access to funding influences the implementation of road maintenance projects in Kiambu County. This study was guided by Human Capital Theory and Resource-Based View (RBV) Theory. Methodology: The study adopted a descriptive research design. The target population for this study comprised employees and officials involved in the implementation of road maintenance projects in Kiambu County, Kenya. The target population included technical officers from Kiambu County, regional road agencies. The study targeted a total of 23 projects implemented in Kiambu County by the three road agencies in Kenya. The study targeted a total population of 180 respondents drawn from various departments associated with road maintenance projects in Kiambu County. The sample for this study was arrived at using the Slovin’s sample size determination formula. Therefore, the study sample size was 126 respondents. The study used a structured questionnaire as the primary data collection instrument. The researcher carried out a pilot study to ensure the data collection tool is reliable and valid. The pretesting sample was made of 13 respondents, representing 10% of the sample size. This study collected quantitative data. The quantitative data was coded then analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) computer software version 28. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze the data in frequency distributions and percentages which was presented in tables and figures. The study also adopted multiple regression analysis to test the relationships between the variables. Findings: The study concludes that staff competence and access to funding have a positive and significant influence on the implementation of road maintenance projects in Kiambu County. Unique Contributions to Theory, Policy, and Practice: Based on the findings, the study recommends that road maintenance projects in Kenya should prioritize strengthening staff competence through continuous professional training, skills development programs, technical workshops, and capacity-building initiatives. Enhancing the knowledge and expertise of project personnel will improve their ability to execute project activities effectively, make informed decisions, and address emerging challenges promptly