FACTORS AFFECTING PROCUREMENT PERFORMANCE IN PUBLIC ORGANIZATIONS: A CASE STUDY OF COUNTY GOVERNMENT OF NAIROBI

Abstract

The study’s main objective was to establish the factors affecting procurement performance in public organization. The study was guided by the following key objectives to assess the effect of staff competence on effective procurement performance in County Government of Nairobi, to establish how resource allocation affects procurement performance in County Government of Nairobi and to establish the effects of stakeholder engagement on effective procurement performance in County Government of Nairobi. This study used an explanatory research design. Questionnaires were administered to employees who were selected using the purposive sampling technique. The target population of the study comprised approximately 109 employees from the county government offices of Nairobi. Data for this study was obtained from primary and secondary sources. The secondary data was gathered from the organization’s review reports on Human Resource Management. Primary data was obtained from questionnaires given to the employees. The study targeted a sample size of 33 respondents from 109. Both quantitative and qualitative data was collected. The qualitative data from secondary sources was analyzed using content analysis and logical analysis techniques. Quantitative data which is numerical was used to analyse raw data using descriptive method whereby the basic features of the data were described. The researcher established that employees are not competent enough to handle complex procurement processes in the County Government of Nairobi as indicated by the respondents; the findings indicated that the county resource allocation policy is in line to ensure maximisation of key procured resources thus enhancing service delivery. Majority of the respondents were in agreement that Suppliers harmonization through electronic sourcing enables firms to readily identify new potential suppliers. The study concluded that Staff Competence and Procurement Performance require necessary skills and experience to carry out procurements effectively. On resource allocation the study concluded that County Government of Nairobi lacked clear accountability on how the resources provided impact on their performance. The study concluded that Top management plays important roles in ensuring that the staffs employed are competent. This study recommends that the County Government of Nairobi should be organizing workshops and trainings for procurement officers in order to improve their skills and knowledge, while employing they should ensure key competencies and experiences are put into consideration. The County Government of Nairobi should also put in place measures to prevent unethical behaviours which is costly to the County.