The use of e-procurement on performance of procurement functions of Uasin Gishu county government, Kenya

Abstract

In recent years, Uasin Gishu County Government has faced persistent challenges in its procurement processes, including inflated procurement costs, delayed service delivery, limited transparency and procurement-related irregularities issues consistently highlighted in reports from the Office of the Auditor General. These inefficiencies, often stemming from the continued use of manual procurement systems, have prompted the county to adopt e-procurement as a strategic solution. E-procurement involves the use of digital technologies to streamline procurement activities such as tendering, requisitioning, communication with suppliers and contract management. The present study seeks to examine the use of e-procurement on performance of procurement functions of Uasin Gishu County Government, Kenya. The study was guided by the following specific objectives; to examine the use of e-informing on performance of procurement functions; to determine the use of e-auction on performance of procurement functions; to establish the use of e-contract management on performance of procurement functions and to investigate the use of e-requisition on performance of procurement functions. The study was anchored on dynamic capability theory. The study adopted a qualitative case study approach. The data collection methods were interviews and observations for primary data and documents review for secondary data. Purposive sampling was adopted when selecting participants. The participants were 12 procurement officers who comprised of director procurement, deputy director and ten heads of procurement officers of various departments of Uasin Gishu County Government. Validity and trustworthiness of the study was handled by credibility, transferability, dependability and confirmability (Interviews, observations and document reviews). Thematic data analysis technique was used to analyze data. The analyzed data was presented in narratives and direct quotes. The study findings indicated that that e-procurement has a positive influence on the performance of procurement functions in county governments. E-procurement streamlines and automates various procurement processes, such as vendor registration, bid solicitation, bid evaluation, contract management and invoice processing. Based on the findings, the study recommends full adoption and continuous upgrading of e-procurement systems to improve efficiency, reduce corruption and strengthen service delivery. The results are significant for county governments, policymakers and procurement professionals seeking to optimize procurement functions and they contribute to policy development, institutional reform and future research in public sector procurement.