Project delays continue to be a persistent challenge, impacting organizational effectiveness and
economic development. This study examines the institutional factors driving project delays across
various organizations in Kigali, Rwanda. The following specific objectives guided the research: to
identify institutional factors that contribute to time overruns in project implementation; to explore
how institutional challenges, such as financial limitations and poor planning, lead to cost overruns;
to assess how institutional inefficiencies affect the quality of project outcomes; and to propose
strategies to overcome institutional challenges and reduce project delays. The hypotheses were: H0
(null hypothesis): there is no significant relationship between institutional challenges and project
delays in selected organizations in Rwanda. H1 (alternative hypothesis): Institutional challenges
significantly contribute to project delays in selected organizations in Rwanda.
A descriptive cross-sectional research design was used to analyze data using SPSS. Data were
collected through a structured survey from a purposive sample of 51 project professionals and
project representatives. Respondents represented the private sector (56.86%), government
institutions (19.61%), NGOs (15.69%), international organizations (5.88%), and others (1.96%).
Most were male (68.63%) and aged 26–35 (60.78%) with bachelor’s degrees (60.78%).
Findings revealed that 53% of organizations experienced delays in fewer than 10% of projects,
while 37% faced delays in 10–30% of projects. The primary causes included budget constraints
(28%), poor planning and scheduling (26%), and bureaucracy (22%). Key consequences were
missed business opportunities (34%), increased costs (28%), and loss of client trust (24%).
Multiple linear regression showed that institutional and managerial factors explained 14.84% of
the variance in project delays, with a p-value of 0.0584. The hybrid project management approach
was most used (39.22%), reflecting a need for adaptable frameworks.
The study recommended that institutions should carry out better planning (40%), improved
communication (22%), streamlined procedures (12%), and increased budgets (12%) to address
institutional delays.