Factors Affecting the Implementation of Procurement Best Practices in Kenya: A Survey of Public Secondary Schools in KILIFI County

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to establish the factors affecting the implementation of procurement best practices in public procurement: a case study of public secondary schools in Kilifi County. The objectives were to investigate the effects of ethics in implementation of procurement best practices in public procurement, to evaluate the influence of level of awareness in implementation of procurement best practices in public procurement, to investigate the contribution of staff training in implementation of procurement best practices in public procurement and to evaluate the influence of accountability in implementation of procurement best practices in public procurement in public secondary schools in Kilifi County. The study was based on the Resource Dependency Theory, sustainability theory and ethics theory. The researcher applied descriptive survey research design. This was because the design was useful since it would collect data from members of the population in order to determine the current status without manipulating the variables. The target was made up of 120 head teachers and 120 deputy head teachers and 1800 Board of Management members in public secondary schools in Kilifi County. The sample size was 12 head teachers, 12 deputy head teachers and 180 Board members. Data collection was done using questionnaires. Reliability analysis was done through test-retest method. Reliability coefficient of 0.7 deemed the instrument reliable. Validity was ensured through discussion with the experts including supervisors and colleagues. Data collected was analyzed using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) version 22. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis was used for analysis and data was presented using frequency distribution tables, percentages and bar graphs. The findings from the study indicated that ethics, level of awareness, accountability and staff training influenced implementation of procurement best practices. The findings of this study may benefit the Researchers by contributing to the body of literature on the factors on performance of procurement best practices in public secondary schools in Kenya through results, facts and recommendations that can be used by the school management to make strategic decisions resulting into competitive advantage. The recommendations can be used by researchers who may want to gather data or acquire information on factors influencing procurement best practices performance in public secondary schools. The study aimed at contributing results, facts and recommendations to add to the body of knowledge in procurement and to be implemented by the Government of Kenya (GoK). The Ministry of Education has the overall responsibility for the secondary school's development. The GoK has a role of supporting the secondary schools through regulation, enhancement of competition and fairplay, and provision of an enabling environment for all stakeholders.