Bonaventure Wanjala Kerre – School of Education, University of Eldoret, Kenya

Chrispinus Wamalwa Mukoche – School of Engineering and the Built Environment, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Kenya

Email: calvinpishoi094@gmail.com

Abstract: The quality of public building projects remains a critical concern in developing countries due to its implications for public safety, service delivery, infrastructure sustainability, and value for money. In Kenya, low-category contractors undertake a substantial proportion of county-level public construction projects; however, concerns persist regarding their capacity to consistently deliver functionally sound buildings. This study examined the influence of low-category contractors on the functional quality of public building projects in Kisumu and Vihiga Counties, Kenya. The study was anchored on the constructivist philosophical paradigm and employed a mixed methods research design to integrate quantitative and qualitative evidence. The target population comprised 51 completed public building projects implemented by low-category contractors during the 2021/2022 financial year. Data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, observation checklists, and document analysis, and analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. The findings revealed that low-category contractors significantly influence the functional quality of public building projects through deficiencies in communication and interpretation of construction drawings, limited technical competence and workmanship, use of low-quality materials, inadequate supervision and quality control, non-compliance with regulatory and safety requirements, and financial and time-related operational constraints. The study also established that capacity-related limitations among low-category contractors undermine the ability of public buildings to achieve intended functional performance and long-term serviceability. The study concludes that contractor capacity is a critical determinant of functional quality outcomes in public building projects. Strengthening contractor training, enforcing capacity-based procurement practices, enhancing quality control mechanisms, improving regulatory compliance, and providing structured financial support are essential for improving functional performance in public construction.