Influence of Drivers of Public Procurement on Procurement Performance of County Governments of Kenya: The Case of Nakuru County

Abstract

The study sought to evaluate public procurement drivers in Nakuru County Government procurement performance, Kenya. Procurement performance issues have been a significant challenge for Nakuru county government. Specifically, the study sought to assess the effects of procurement staff competency, procurement record management, E-procurement and procurement contract management on Nakuru County Government procurement performance, Kenya. The study was anchored on the principal agent theory, record lifecycle theory, diffusion of innovations theory resource-based view and agency theory. This study adopted a descriptive research design. The unit of observation was 35 procurement and 47 finance officers working in the 10 county departments in the County Government of Nakuru. Census technique was adopted to incorporate all the targeted respondents. Primary data was collected using a questionnaire. A pilot-test was conducted at Kericho County where 8 questionnaires were issued out to the procurement officers. The study collected both quantitative and qualitative data. Quantitative data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. Data collected from the structured questions was analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Descriptive statistics involved the use of percentages, frequencies mean and standard deviations. Inferential statistics involves the use of correlation analysis and multiple regression analyses. Qualitative data from the interview schedules was analyzed using thematic analysis. After analysis quantitative data was presented in form of tables for easy interpretation while qualitative data was presented in prose form. The study found that procurement staff competency had a positive and statistically significant effect on public procurement performance in the County Government of Nakuru. The study also found that procurement record management had a positive and statistically significant effect on public procurement performance in the County Government of Nakuru, Kenya. The study further found that E-procurement had a strong positive effect on public procurement performance in the County Government of Nakuru. The study found that procurement contract management had a strong positive effect on public procurement performance in the County Government of Nakuru. The study also concluded that the county government staffs have vast skills in procurement. Moreover, the study concluded that the procurement staffs are equipped with procurement knowledge on policy compliance. The study recommended that the government should continue to prioritize and reinforce staff knowledge on policy and compliance, as this contributes significantly to effective procurement processes. Furthermore, the government should promote and recognize the value of good negotiation skills, which not only drive cost savings but also foster positive and collaborative relationships with suppliers.