Unethical Issues and Socio-cultural Factors Affecting Construction Industry in Kenya

Abstract

Introduction: This paper seeks to establish the major ethical and socio-cultural issues affecting the construction industry in Kenya with suggestions on how to handle the ethical and socio-cultural issues. The most common unethical issues experienced in construction industry in Kenya include poor documentation, cover pricing, poor documentation, bid cutting, lack of safety ethics by contractors, and having unfair treatment of contractors in final account/tender negotiations. Other unethical issues emerging in Kenya's construction industry include competitors' overstatement of their capacity and qualifications and to an extent, failing to follow constructions guidelines leading to sub-standard structures. The outcome of the increasing unethical practices in construction industry in Kenya is the prevalent collapsing of high-storey buildings in high density populated areas like the recent collapses experienced in Huruma, Mathare, and in Pipeline areas. The prevalent corruption in the industry has been associated with the increasing negative image and economic outcomes in the construction industry.

Purpose: The paper seeks to establish the major ethical and socio-cultural issues affecting the construction industry in Kenya with suggestions on how to handle the ethical and socio-cultural issues.

Methodology: The researcher will employ a survey based research design. The selected study population is construction experts in engineering and construction authorities, large construction firms and other construction-related bodies. Key informant interviews, questionnaires, and focus group discussions will be used to triangulate the study findings.

Results: The conclusions on the study was that the construction industry is facing many unethical practices that have a negative effect on the industry and economic growth. The study also found out that the industry had a tainted image of corrupt and fraudulent industry from the stakeholders due to corruption and bribery cases similar in the industry. Some unethical issues included bribery and corruption, under-bidding, cut-bidding, fraud and unfair conduct, and conflicts of interest among others.

Conclusions: The industry had negatively tainted image. Training of professionals through holding frequent seminars and workshops to update the industry ethical code based on continuing development was necessary. Strengthening the Code of Ethics and Conduct was necessary.