Analysis of elements influencing electronic procurement performance in Kilifi county government, Kenya

Abstract

This research endeavored to Analysis the Elements Influencing Electronic Procurement Performance in Kilifi County Government, Kenya. The specific objectives of the study were; to examine the effect of public procurement regulations on electronic procurement performance in Kilifi County Government; to establish the effects of staff competence in ICT on electronic procurement performance in Kilifi County Government; to identify the effect of managerial commitment on electronic procurement performance in Kilifi County Government and finally to assess the impact of Information communication technology infrastructure on electronic procurement performance in the Kilifi County Government. The researcher employed a descriptive research methodology. The target population included 200 personnel from diverse departments in Kilifi County Government, Kenya. The study aimed at extract valuable insights from key participants from the department of the Human Resources, Finance, Inspectorate, ICT, Procurement departments, and members of the Budget Committee. For a precise analysis, the researcher employed purposive sampling methods to curate a subset of 60 respondents for our study. Our primary data collection tool was semi-structured questionnaires. Subsequently, the data underwent analysis using the SPSS software, version 24. To ensure the reliability of findings, the researcher applied the internal consistency technique, leveraging Cronbach’s alpha. The results indicated that there is a noteworthy positive relationship between public procurement policies and Electronic Procurement Performance in Kilifi County Government, Kenya with the coefficient of correlation (r = 0.839, p = 0.000). The results also showed there is a significant positive relationship between ICT proficiency and Electronic Procurement Performance in Kilifi County Government, Kenya with (r = 0.572, p = 0.000). The results also indicated a significant positive relationship between management support and Electronic Procurement Performance in Kilifi County Government, Kenya with (r = 0.627, p = 0.000) and finally there existed a significant positive relationship between ICT infrastructure and Electronic Procurement Performance in Kilifi County Government, Kenya with (r = 0.971, p = 0.000). In terms of the weight of the variables; public procurement regulations which (53.5%), followed by managerial commitment at (43.7%), Staff competence in ICT at (12.8%) then ICT infrastructure at (12.6%). On the issue of ICT proficiency, the recruitment criteria of County government should be designed and followed strictly to ensure that the County hires staff with the necessary job experience and expertise. Management support and goodwill also acts as a motivation to the staff who feel facilitated to undertake their roles within the organization. The County Government of Kilifi should not only ensure that the electronic procurement system is put in place but also ensure that it’s up to date with the technological changes that are dynamic in nature. They should also ensure that experienced and skilled staffs are hired to run the system. Lastly, The County Government of Kilifi should ensure that it invests heavily in the ICT infrastructure like computers and an effective system as well including reliable internet which will facilitate the efficiency of electronic procurement processes