Tendering Process and Performance of County Government Water Projects in SEKEB Region, Kenya

Abstract

Access to safe and reliable water remains a persistent challenge in Kenya’s South Eastern Kenya Economic Bloc (SEKEB), comprising Machakos, Makueni, and Kitui counties. Despite substantial investments by county governments in water infrastructure, project performance remains below expectations, often due to inefficiencies within procurement systems. This study investigated the influence of the tendering process on the performance of county government water projects in SEKEB, using Tendering Theory and Agency Theory as guiding frameworks. A mixed-methods approach with a descriptive cross-sectional design was employed, drawing data from 213 stakeholders involved in planning, procurement, and implementation. Descriptive statistics revealed moderately effective tendering practices (mean = 3.80), with persistent gaps in supplier monitoring and contract execution. Correlation analysis demonstrated a strong positive relationship between tendering processes and project performance (r = 0.824, p < 0.01), while regression analysis confirmed that tendering accounted for 67.9% of the variation in performance outcomes (R² = 0.679; β = 0.876, p < 0.001). These findingsaffirm that well-structured procurement processes—particularly in planning, prequalification, and competitive bidding—significantly enhance service quality, cost efficiency, and timeliness in devolved water infrastructure projects. To reinforce these outcomes, the study recommends professionalizing procurement personnel, institutionalizing supplier audits, and digitizing procurement via IFMIS. Beyond practical recommendations, the study highlights a critical research frontier: examining the intersection ofprocurement integrity, digital innovation, and inter-agency coordination in sustaining long-term water infrastructure outcomes. Future studies should explore longitudinal effects of procurement reforms and the role of participatory governance in strengthening performance accountability in Kenya’s devolved systems.Keywords:Tendering process, public procurement, project performance, water infrastructure, county governments, SEKEB, Kenya