Effect of Mechanization on the Performance of Construction Workers in Kenya

This study investigates the effect of mechanization on the performance of construction workers in Kenya. It focuses on high-rise building projects in Nairobi County. The research employed a quantitative research strategy and a survey design, targeting construction site supervisors to collect data on the performance of construction workers (PCW) and mechanization levels (M) across various work categories including; Site Preparation and Earthworks (SPE), Scaffolding and Formwork (SF), Concreting (C), Walling (W), Plastering and Flooring (PF), Tiling and Painting (TP), and Building Services (BS). The performance of construction workers was measured based on two aspects, labour efficiency (LE) across the seven work categories, and labour effectiveness. Labour effectiveness was further broken down into two aspects, quality of work (QWo), and the extent of training and skillset development (TSD). The results of a correlation analysis between labour efficiency and mechanization indicate that out of the seven work categories, only Concreting demonstrated a statistically significant relationship (-0.189, p=0.045). The relationship was very weak and negative. Though this confirmed the hypothesized relationship between mechanization and labour efficiency, it can be argued that the effect of mechanization on the efficiency of construction workers in Kenya is almost non-existent. However, correlation analysis between mechanization and labour effectiveness demonstrated a positive correlation between mechanization and the training and skill development of workers. Results of the multiple regression showed a statistically significant effect of mechanization in SPE, SF, and Concreting works on PCW. The research findings suggest that while mechanization introduces challenges such as increased costs and skill requirements, it also necessitates strategic workforce planning to optimize productivity and worker welfare. The study contributes to understanding the dynamics between mechanization and labour performance in construction projects, emphasizing the need for effective labour management practices amid technological advancements in the modern era