
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND SCIENTIFIC INNOVATION (IJRSI)
ISSN No. 2321-2705 | DOI: 10.51244/IJRSI |Volume XII Issue IX September 2025
www.rsisinternational.org
Conflict in construction projects arises from factors such as contract ambiguity, communication breakdowns,
and stakeholder competition (Cheung & Pang, 2021). In national government construction projects, conflicts
may escalate due to political influences, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and funding challenges. Construction
managers are responsible for overseeing project implementation, coordinating resources, and facilitating
communication among stakeholders (Zaneldin, 2020). By implementing conflict resolution strategies,
construction managers contribute to the successful completion of projects while maintaining professional
relationships among involved parties.
Construction management plays a vital role in ensuring the success of infrastructure projects worldwide,
particularly in addressing conflicts that arise in large-scale national government projects.
The construction industry in Africa plays a crucial role in national development by providing essential
infrastructure such as roads, bridges, housing, and government buildings. However, many national government
construction projects across the continent face significant conflicts arising from contractual disputes, delays,
cost overruns, resource misallocation, and political interference (Osei & Ameyaw, 2021). Effective
construction management strategies are essential for resolving such conflicts and ensuring successful project
delivery. This section examined construction management and conflict resolution mechanisms in five African
countries: South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt, Ethiopia, and Kenya.
Nigeria's construction industry is one of the largest in West Africa but faces persistent challenges related to
contract disputes, project delays, and corruption in national government projects (Ameh & Odusami, 2021).
The country lacks a unified construction dispute resolution framework, leading to frequent litigation, which
often stalls project completion (Ibrahim, 2020). The Second Niger Bridge project, a major government
infrastructure initiative, faced multiple legal and financial disputes among contractors, delaying its completion.
The Nigerian government has since promoted ADR mechanisms such as arbitration and mediation to address
construction conflicts (Eze, 2021).
Egypt has a well-established construction sector, driven by government-funded mega projects such as the New
Administrative Capital and the Suez Canal Expansion. Construction management in Egypt follows a structured
approach, with regulations set by the Egyptian Federation for Construction and Building Contractors (El-Sayed
& Abdel-Razek, 2021). The country employs a combination of litigation, ADR, and government arbitration to
resolve construction disputes.
Ethiopia has experienced significant infrastructure development, with government-led projects such as the
Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) and Addis Ababa Light Rail. However, these projects have faced
major conflicts, including disputes over resource allocation, environmental concerns, and contractual
disagreements (Tefera & Gebremedhin, 2021). The Ethiopian government has institutionalized arbitration and
mediation as primary conflict resolution mechanisms in construction management, guided by the Ethiopian
Federal Arbitration Law (Wondimu & Getachew, 2022).
Kenya has a rapidly growing construction sector, driven by government-funded projects such as roads,
railways, and housing developments under the Vision 2030 initiative (Kithinji & Muiruri, 2020). The country’s
construction dispute resolution mechanisms include litigation, arbitration, and mediation under the Chartered
Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb) Kenya Branch (Ngotho & Karanja, 2021).
The Kenyan construction industry also utilizes the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act (PPADA) to
address disputes related to procurement and contractor selection (Wachira & Otieno, 2020). However,
challenges such as corruption, political interference, and bureaucratic delays continue to contribute to
construction conflicts. Strengthening ADR mechanisms and improving transparency in contract management
are essential steps for reducing disputes in Kenya’s construction sector.
One of the primary sources of conflict in government construction projects in Kenya is contractual disputes.
Many conflicts emerge due to disagreements between government agencies and contractors over contract
terms, payment schedules, and variations in project scope. Some contractors accuse government agencies of
altering project specifications without prior agreements, while others cite delays in payments that disrupt cash