CHAPTER FOUR
DATA ANALYSIS, PRESENTATION AND INTERPRETATION OF FINDINGS
4.1 Introduction
This chapter presents the analysis and interpretation of data collected from respondents in
selected public educational institutions along the Thika Road corridor. Data was collected using
questionnaires and interviews.
Questionnaires were administered to students, teaching staff, and maintenance personnel,
while six interviews were conducted with facility managers from the selected institutions to
obtain deeper insights into building maintenance practices and challenges.
The collected data was analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages
and presented in tables, while interview responses were analyzed thematically.
4.2 Response Rate
The response rate indicates the proportion of questionnaires that were completed and returned
by the respondents. Achieving an adequate response rate was important in ensuring that the
findings of the study were representative of the target population within public institutions
along Thika Road.
Questionnaires Frequency Percentage
Distributed 100 100%
Returned 90 90%
Not Returned 10 10%
Total 100 100%
The study achieved a response rate of90%, which is considered adequate for data analysis.
According to research standards, a response rate above 70% is sufficient for reliable analysis.
4.3 Demographic Characteristics of Respondents
This section presents background information of the respondents, which helps in understanding
their suitability to provide reliable information on building maintenance and renovation
practices within their institutions.
4.3.1 Category of Respondents
Respondent Category Frequency Percentage
Students 50 55.6%
Teaching Staff 20 22.2%
Technical/Maintenance Staff 20 22.2%
Total 90 100%
Students formed the majority of respondents since they interact with institutional buildings
daily and experience the condition of facilities such as lecture halls, hostels, and sanitation
areas.
4.3.2 Gender of Respondents
Gender Distribution of Respondents
Gender Frequency Percentage
Male 55 62.5%
Female 35 37.5%
Total 90 100%
The gender distribution shows that respondents were drawn from both male and female staff
members involved in facilities management and related roles within public universities. The
results show that 62.5% of the respondents were male, while 37.5% were female. This indicates
that building maintenance and facility management roles within the institutions are largely
dominated by male staff.
4.3.1 Level of Education
Respondents were asked to indicate their highest level of education.
Level of Education Frequency Percentage
Certificate 10 13.3%
Diploma 20 22.2%
Bachelor's Degree 33 36.7%
Postgraduate (Masters/PhD) 5 5.6%
Undergraduate Students 22 22.2%
Total 90 100%
Th
e findings indicate that 36.7% of respondents had a bachelor’s degree, while 22.2% were
undergraduate students. This suggests that the respondents had sufficient educational
background to provide reliable information regarding the condition and maintenance of
buildings in their institutions.
4.3.2 Work Experience of Staff Respondents
This question was answered by teaching staff and maintenance personnel only.
Work Experience Frequency Percentage
1–5 Years 12 30%
6–10 Years 16 40%
Above 10 Years 12 30%
Total 40 100%
The results show that 40% of staff respondents had between 6–10 years of work experience,
indicating that most respondents had adequate professional experience in their respective
fields.
4.3.3 Year of Study for Student Respondents
Students were also asked to indicate their year of study.
Year of Study Frequency Percentage
First Year 12 24%
Second Year 14 28%
Third Year 13 26%
Fourth Year 11 22%
Total 50 100%
The results show that respondents were drawn from different levels of study, which provided
diverse perspectives regarding the condition and usability of buildings within the institutions.
4.4 Condition of Buildings in the Institutions
Respondents were asked to rate the general condition of buildings within their institutions.
Building Condition Frequency Percentage
Very Good 10 11.1%
Good 24 26.7%
Fair 36 40.0%
Poor 20 22.2%
Total 90 100%
The findings show that 40% of respondents rated the buildings as being in fair condition, while
22.2% indicated that the buildings were in poor condition. This suggests that some buildings
require renovation and improved maintenance practices.
4.5 Students' Satisfaction with Building Facilities
Students were asked to indicate their level of satisfaction with building facilities within their
institutions.
Level of Satisfaction Frequency Percentage
Very satisfied 8 16%
Satisfied 17 34%
Neutral 10 20%
Dissatisfied 10 20%
Very dissatisfied 5 10%
Total 50 100%
The results indicate that 50% of the students were satisfied with the condition of facilities, while
30% expressed dissatisfaction, indicating the need for improved maintenance of learning and
residential facilities.
4.6 Building Components Requiring Frequent Maintenance
Respondents identified building components that require frequent maintenance.
Component Frequency Percentage
Plumbing systems 28 31.1%
Electrical systems 18 20.0%
Roofing 16 17.8%
Windows and doors 12 13.3%
Sanitation facilities 16 17.8%
Total 90 100%
The findings indicate that plumbing systems require the most frequent maintenance, likely due
to heavy use of sanitation facilities by students.
4.7 Factors Affecting Building Maintenance
Respondents identified the major factors affecting building maintenance.
Factor Frequency Percentage
Inadequate funding 38 42.2%
Delayed maintenance response 20 22.2%
Lack of skilled personnel 17 18.9%
Poor maintenance planning 15 16.7%
Total 90 100%
The results indicate that inadequate funding (42.2%) is the major challenge affecting building
maintenance.
4.8 Maintenance Strategies Used
Technical respondents indicated the maintenance strategies used in their institutions.
Maintenance Strategy Frequency Percentage
Corrective maintenance 38 42.2%
Preventive maintenance 30 33.3%
Predictive maintenance 12 13.3%
Condition-based maintenance 10 11.2%
Total 90 100%
The findings show that corrective maintenance is the most commonly used approach, meaning
repairs are often carried out after problems occur.
4.4.3 Maintenance Management Practices
This section examined the maintenance management practices adopted in the selected public
universities along the Thika Road corridor. Respondents were asked to rate several statements
related to maintenance management using a Likert scale.
Table 4.7: Maintenance Management Practices
Statement Mean Std. Deviation
Existence of maintenance schedules 3.62 0.88
Preventive maintenance practices 3.55 0.91
Monitoring and evaluation of maintenance work 3.47 0.95
Overall Mean 3.55 0.91
The findings indicate that maintenance management practices are moderately implemented in
the institutions. The existence of maintenance schedules recorded the highest mean score
(3.62), suggesting that most institutions have formal maintenance planning systems in place.
Preventive maintenance practices and monitoring of maintenance work also recorded relatively
high mean scores, indicating that these practices contribute positively to the overall condition of
university buildings.
These findings suggest that effective maintenance management practices play a significant role
in improving the sustainability and functionality of institutional infrastructure.
4.4.4 Environmental and Building Usage Factors
This section examined environmental and building usage factors affecting the condition of
buildings in public universities.
Table 4.8: Environmental and Usage Factors
Statement Mean Std. Deviation
High student population affects building condition 4.12 0.73
Environmental exposure accelerates deterioration 3.89 0.81
Misuse of facilities increases maintenance needs 3.95 0.77
Overall Mean 3.99 0.77
The results indicate that environmental and usage factors significantly influence the condition of
university buildings.
The statement “High student population affects building condition” recorded the highest mean
score (4.12), indicating strong agreement among respondents that high facility usage
contributes to building deterioration.
Environmental exposure and misuse of facilities were also identified as important contributors
to increased maintenance needs.
These findings suggest that heavy usage and environmental conditions accelerate wear and
tear, thereby increasing the demand for regular maintenance and renovation.
4.5 Effectiveness of Building Maintenance and Renovation
This section examined respondents’ views on the effectiveness of building maintenance and
renovation practices in public universities along Thika Road.
Table 4.9: Maintenance and Renovation Effectiveness
Statement Mean Std. Deviation
Buildings are maintained to acceptable standards 3.41 0.92
Renovations are carried out when necessary 3.28 0.97
Maintenance improves safety and usability 3.67 0.84
Overall Mean 3.45 0.91
The findings indicate that maintenance and renovation practices are moderately effective in
maintaining the condition of buildings.
The statement “Maintenance improves safety and usability” recorded the highest mean score
(3.67), indicating that respondents acknowledge the positive impact of maintenance activities
on building functionality.
However, the relatively lower mean score for renovations suggests that renovation activities
may not be carried out as frequently as required, possibly due to financial or administrative
constraints.
4.6 Inferential Analysis
Inferential analysis was conducted to examine the relationships between the study variables
and the effectiveness of building maintenance and renovation in public learning institutions
along Thika Road.
4.6.1 Correlation Analysis
Correlation analysis was used to determine the strength and direction of the relationship
between the independent variables and the effectiveness of building maintenance and
renovation.
Table 4.10: Correlation Matrix
Technical Management Environmental
Variable Funding Effectiveness
Competence Practices Factors
Funding 1
Technical
0.62 1
Competence
Management
0.58 0.64 1
Practices
Environmental
-0.41 -0.36 -0.33 1
Factors
Effectiveness 0.71 0.65 0.69 -0.38 1
The correlation results indicate that funding availability, technical competence, and
maintenance management practices are positively correlated with the effectiveness of building
maintenance and renovation. Funding recorded the strongest positive correlation with
maintenance effectiveness (r = 0.71), indicating that adequate financial resources significantly
improve maintenance outcomes.
Technical competence and management practices also showed strong positive relationships
with maintenance effectiveness. Environmental factors recorded a negative correlation,
suggesting that increased environmental exposure and heavy usage may negatively affect
building conditions despite maintenance efforts.
4.7 Chapter Summary
This chapter presented the analysis, presentation, and interpretation of findings on building
maintenance and renovation practices in public learning institutions along the Thika Road
corridor. The findings were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including
frequencies, means, standard deviations, and correlation analysis.
The results indicate that funding availability, technical competence, and effective maintenance
management practices play a critical role in improving maintenance outcomes. However,
environmental conditions and high building usage levels contribute to infrastructure
deterioration.
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1 Introduction
This chapter provides a summary of the findings of the study in reference to the present study’s
set objectives. It also presents the conclusion, and lastly recommendations and suggestions for
further research.
5.2 Summary of Findings
5.2.1 Response Rate and Respondent Characteristics
The study achieved a response rate of 90%, which is considered adequate for reliable statistical
analysis. The respondents comprised students, teaching staff, and technical or maintenance
personnel. Students formed the largest proportion of respondents, reflecting their daily
interaction with institutional facilities. The diverse demographic background and educational
levels of respondents enhanced the reliability of the information collected.
5.2.2 Condition of Institutional Buildings
The findings revealed that a significant proportion of respondents rated the condition of
buildings as fair (40%), while 22.2% rated them as poor. Only a small proportion considered the
buildings to be in very good condition. These findings indicate that although institutional
buildings remain functional, several facilities exhibit signs of deterioration that require improved
maintenance and renovation strategies.
5.2.3 Students’ Satisfaction with Building Facilities
The study established that 50% of students expressed satisfaction with the condition of
facilities, while 30% reported dissatisfaction. This moderate level of satisfaction suggests that
although maintenance activities are carried out, they may not be sufficient to meet the
expectations and functional requirements of building users.
5.2.4 Building Components Requiring Frequent Maintenance
Respondents identified several building components that frequently require maintenance.
Plumbing systems (31.1%) were reported as the most problematic components, followed by
electrical systems (20%), roofing (17.8%), sanitation facilities (17.8%), and windows and doors
(13.3%). The high maintenance demand for plumbing systems may be attributed to intensive
use of sanitation facilities within educational institutions.
5.2.5 Factors Affecting Building Maintenance
The study identified several factors that significantly influence building maintenance practices.
Inadequate funding (42.2%) emerged as the most critical constraint affecting maintenance
effectiveness. Other factors included delayed response to maintenance requests (22.2%), lack
of skilled personnel (18.9%), and poor maintenance planning (16.7%). These challenges
collectively limit the ability of institutions to maintain buildings at optimal standards.
5.2.6 Maintenance Strategies Adopted
The findings further revealed that the most commonly adopted maintenance approach is
corrective maintenance (42.2%), whereby repairs are conducted after defects occur. Preventive
maintenance accounted for 33.3%, while predictive and condition-based maintenance
strategies were implemented less frequently. This indicates that maintenance activities are
largely reactive rather than proactive.
5.2.7 Maintenance Management Practices
The study established that maintenance management practices are moderately implemented,
with an overall mean score of 3.55. The existence of maintenance schedules recorded the
highest mean score (3.62), indicating that many institutions have formal maintenance planning
systems. Preventive maintenance practices and monitoring of maintenance activities also
recorded moderate mean scores, suggesting partial implementation of structured maintenance
management systems.
5.2.8 Environmental and Building Usage Factors
Environmental and usage-related factors were found to significantly influence the condition of
buildings. The statement “High student population affects building condition” recorded the
highest mean score (4.12), indicating strong agreement among respondents. Environmental
exposure and misuse of facilities were also identified as contributing to increased maintenance
needs. These findings highlight the role of heavy building usage in accelerating infrastructure
deterioration.
5.2.9 Effectiveness of Maintenance and Renovation Practices
The results indicated that maintenance and renovation practices are moderately effective, with
an overall mean score of 3.45. Respondents generally agreed that maintenance activities
improve the safety and usability of buildings. However, renovation activities appear to be
implemented less frequently than required, which may be attributed to financial or
administrative constraints.
5.2.10 Relationship Between Maintenance Factors and Effectiveness
Correlation analysis revealed that funding availability, technical competence, and maintenance
management practices have strong positive relationships with maintenance effectiveness.
Funding demonstrated the strongest correlation (r = 0.71), indicating that adequate financial
resources significantly enhance maintenance outcomes. Conversely, environmental factors
exhibited a negative correlation, suggesting that heavy usage and environmental exposure may
accelerate building deterioration.
5.3 Conclusions
Based on the findings of the study, several conclusions can be drawn.
First, although buildings within public learning institutions remain operational, their general
condition indicates the need for improved and more systematic maintenance interventions. The
presence of buildings rated as fair or poor highlights gaps in existing maintenance management
practices.
Second, maintenance activities are predominantly reactive, with institutions relying heavily on
corrective maintenance rather than preventive strategies. This approach increases long-term
maintenance costs and accelerates the deterioration of building components.
Third, funding limitations represent the most significant barrier to effective building
maintenance. Adequate financial resources are essential for implementing timely repairs,
renovations, and preventive maintenance programs.
Fourth, maintenance management practices, technical competence, and proper planning play a
crucial role in determining the effectiveness of building maintenance and renovation activities.
Finally, environmental conditions and high student population contribute significantly to
infrastructure deterioration, thereby increasing the demand for regular maintenance and
renovation.
5.4 Recommendations
Based on the conclusions of the study, the following recommendations are proposed:
1. Increased Budget Allocation for Maintenance
Educational institutions should allocate sufficient financial resources to support regular
maintenance and renovation activities. Adequate funding would enable timely repairs and
prevent the escalation of minor defects into major structural problems.
2. Adoption of Preventive Maintenance Strategies
Institutions should prioritize preventive maintenance programs to reduce the frequency of
unexpected building failures and prolong the lifespan of infrastructure.
3. Strengthening Maintenance Management Systems
Institutions should establish structured maintenance management systems that incorporate
proper planning, monitoring, and evaluation of maintenance activities.
4. Capacity Development for Maintenance Personnel
The recruitment and continuous training of qualified technical personnel should be prioritized in
order to improve the quality and efficiency of maintenance work.
5. Implementation of Regular Building Inspections
Routine inspections should be conducted to assess the condition of building components and
ensure early detection of defects.
6. Management of Building Usage and Awareness
Institutions should promote responsible use of facilities among students and staff through
awareness programs aimed at reducing misuse of institutional infrastructure.
5.5 Suggestions for Further Research
Future studies should explore the role of computerized maintenance management systems
(CMMS) in improving facility management within educational institutions. Additionally,
comparative studies examining maintenance practices across different universities and regions
would provide broader insights into improving building maintenance strategies.