Quality Assurance and Performance of High-Rise Building Projects in Kiambu County

The rapid expansion of high-rise building construction in Kiambu County has raised growing concerns about the quality and safety of these developments, with over 65% of inspected buildings exhibiting quality-related deficiencies between 2018 and 2023. Against this backdrop, this study examined the impact of quality assurance practices on the performance of high-rise building construction projects in Kiambu County, Kenya. Using a descriptive survey design, data were collected from 198 respondents drawn from a target population of 620 project stakeholders, including construction firms, project managers, engineers, architects, real estate developers, and county government officials. The findings revealed that quality assurance was a significant and strong predictor of project performance, with systematic audits, compliance frameworks, and regulatory enforcement playing a central role in shaping construction outcomes. However, training and awareness initiatives around building regulations were perceived less favorably, pointing to capacity-building gaps that limit the full potential of existing assurance mechanisms. The study recommends institutionalizing quality assurance through regular independent audits, strengthening contractor-regulatory authority collaboration, and dynamically updating regulatory frameworks to align with contemporary construction standards. These measures are essential for ensuring safety, compliance, and sustainability in Kiambu County's growing high-rise construction sector. Keywords: Quality Assurance, Performance, High-Rise Building, Projects, Kiambu County