Factors Affecting Implementation of Just in Time Inventory in Public Institutions in Kenya: A Case Study of the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure

Abstract

This research seeks to establish the factors affecting the implementation of JIT inventory in public institutions in Kenya. It aimed to establish the effect of employee training on the implementation of JIT inventory in public institutions in Kenya, to determine the role of top management support on the implementation of JIT inventory in public institutions in Kenya and to assess the role of information communications technology on implementation of JIT inventory in public institutions in Kenya. Descriptive research design was used in conducting the study to ensure a complete description of the situation in the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, Government of Kenya. The target population consisted of 290 sub-county store managers in the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure. Using a simple random sampling method 87 respondents were then selected from the target population. The data collection was administered using questionnaires designed to obtain accurate information from respondents. The data collected was analyzed using both qualitative and quantitative techniques. The mean, standard deviation and percentages were used where applicable and the findings presented using tables, pie charts and graphs. The study concluded that employee training, top management support and information communication technology have greatly influenced the implementation of JIT inventories in public institutions, these has made these organizations to improve in customer service delivery. Employee training is important in the organizations implementing JIT inventory as it introduces the employees to what is expected in the implementation of the strategy thus increasing their productivity. The top management support in the implementation of JIT is critical as they provide a good working environment for its implementation and makes employees motivated to work to the success of the organization. The study also showed that the use of ICT in  the organization has facilitated the speed of implementation of JIT as employees are able to quickly link up and get the information they require for the success if the organization. These study findings will help public institutions in strengthening their inventory management strategies to ensure a high level of service delivery to the citizens who are her customers, in line with the government policies and service charters in public institutions. However the study was limited to the ministry of transport and infrastructure, the study recommends a study to the other ministries and public institutions in order to establish the level of implementation of JIT in this institution.