E-PROCUREMENT PRACTICES AND PERFORMANCE OF THE PROCUREMENT FUNCTION IN THE MINISTRY OF INTERIOR AND COORDINATION OF NATIONAL GOVERNMENT, KENYA
Abstract
Purpose of the study: The study examined the effect of e-procurement practices on performance of the procurement function in the Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government, Nairobi, Kenya.
Statement of the problem: Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government continues to face persistent challenges in procurement function performance, including delayed acquisitions, inflated costs, substandard supplies, and limited transparency. Despite a budget exceeding KSh 140 billion in the 2022/2023 financial year and the availability of IFMIS since 2017, only 42% of transactions are processed electronically. These inefficiencies undermine operational readiness and public confidence.
Methodology: A descriptive research design was adopted. The target population consisted of 232 supply chain officers from the 22 departments at the Ministry headquarters. A sample size of 147 was determined using Slovin’s formula, and stratified random sampling ensured proportional representation across departments. Primary data were collected using closed-ended questionnaires which were distributed through google forms and the drop-and-pick method. The pilot study was conducted in the Ministry of Health, where 15 questionnaires were administered (representing approximately 10% of the sample size) to assess reliability and validity. Content validity was confirmed via expert and supervisor review, while reliability was evaluated using Cronbach’s Alpha, with all constructs exceeding the 0.7 threshold. Data analysis utilized descriptive statistics and inferential statistics.
Findings: The findings revealed a positive and statistically significant relationship between e-procurement practices and the performance of the procurement function (r = 0.834, p = 0.000). Regression analysis indicated that a unit increase in e-procurement practices leads to a 0.451-unit improvement in procurement performance (β = 0.451, p = 0.003).
Conclusion: The study concludes that e-procurement practices serve as a critical driver for enhancing efficiency, transparency, cost-effectiveness, and timeliness in the Ministry’s procurement operations.
Recommendations: The study recommends that the Ministry prioritize full integration of digital procurement platforms, provide continuous staff training and ensure readily available technical support. Policymakers and the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority promote capacity-building initiatives and technology adoption to strengthen e-procurement practices and improve procurement outcomes in Kenya’s security-sensitive public institutions.
Keywords: E-Procurement Practices, Performance, Procurement Function, Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government, Kenya
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