LEADERSHIP STYLES AND PERFORMANCE OF ROAD PROJECTS UNDER KENYA RURAL ROADS AUTHORITY IN KENYA

Road infrastructure drives global economic growth by facilitating the movement of goods, services, and people, enhancing trade and regional integration; recent improvements in developing countries have reduced cost overruns, highlighting the importance of effective strategy implementation, stakeholder engagement, and sustainability considerations for project success. The aim of the study was to establish whether leadership styles influence the performance of road projects by Kenya Rural Roads Authority. The study sought to establish whether leadership styles influence the performance of road projects by Kenya Rural Roads Authority. The study employs multiple theories, including Resource-Based Theory, Agency Theory, and others, within a mixed-methods approach guided by pragmatism. Focused on 140 Development Road Projects by KeRRA, it includes 104 Strategy Implementation Officers, Contractors’ CEOs, and KeRRA officials. Data, gathered through questionnaires and interviews, underwent statistical analysis revealing a significant positive correlation (r = 0.508, p < 0.05) between leadership styles and project performance, using SPSS Version 27. The study suggests that project managers at the Kenya Rural Roads Authority demonstrate positive leadership qualities, such as agreeableness and visionary leadership, which are linked to timely completion of road construction projects, although challenges like resistance to change and laissez-faire leadership tendencies may impede project success. Recommendations include reinforcing and promoting positive leadership qualities among project managers at the Kenya Rural Roads Authority, focusing on aspects such as agreeableness, visionary leadership, and developmental leadership, while addressing challenges related to laissez-faire and resistance to change through training and support initiatives, and emphasizing the importance of directive leadership to improve project outcomes and ensure successful completion of road construction projects. KEY WORDS: Leadership Styles, Performance of Road Construction Projects, Kenya Rural Roads Authority