SUSTAINABLE SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AND ORGANIZATIONAL PERFORMANCE OF PARASTATALS IN KENYA

Abstract

This study explored how Sustainable Supply Chain Management (SSCM) practices influence organizational performance at the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA). The research adopted a cross-sectional census design involving 155 employees directly engaged in procurement and operational functions. Four key SSCM domains were examined—green procurement, waste management, resource efficiency, and ethical sourcing—while performance was assessed through indicators of cost efficiency, regulatory compliance, environmental sustainability, and employee engagement. The findings revealed that sustainability practices are increasingly integrated into CA’s operations, though their maturity varies. Green procurement and ethical sourcing emerged as the strongest performance drivers, demonstrating clear links to efficiency, transparency, and institutional credibility. In contrast, waste management and resource efficiency were less developed and contributed minimally to measurable outcomes, reflecting operational rather than strategic application. The regression model explained a meaningful share of performance variance (R² = 0.288; adjusted R² = 0.269; F, p < .001), confirming that SSCM practices collectively influence organizational results but require balanced implementation. The study concludes that while procurement reforms have already yielded tangible benefits, operational sustainability must be strengthened through improved monitoring, accountability, and capacity building. It recommends embedding sustainability criteria and life-cycle costing into procurement, enhancing supplier verification, and establishing departmental dashboards to track energy, water, and waste metrics. Overall, the research affirms that institutionalizing SSCM within Kenya’s public sector can advance both performance efficiency and the broader national sustainability agenda.