| dc.description.abstract | Relief supply chain is one of the most vital aspects in post disaster periods. Its functions ensure
quick return to normalcy within the shortest time. However this process faces great challenges in
planning, coordination and implementation. Such challenges pose greater loss to lives and
livelihoods if planning is delayed and mismanaged. Therefore to strengthen the relief supply
chain, decisions need to be t1exible, agile and adaptable to every unique post disaster
environment. The process is made easier with decentralizing. In this study, we consider the
performance of a decentralized Relief chain responding to quick-onset disasters in Kenya Red
Cross. Kenya Red Cross acts as an auxiliary to the government in relief management. It has an
established supply chain department that oversees the movement of all donations. The supply
chain has decentralized its activities with an aim of reducing costs. Therefore this study seeks to
determine the effects of decentralization of key personnel and resources of a relief' supply chain
and the reactions of different stakeholders. The study adopted a descriptive research design
where the respondents gave a description of their decentralized supply chain processes
describing their warehouses, transport and logistics, personnel and procurement. A semi -
structured questionnaire was used to collect data. The questionnaire was divided into sections;
the general information, staff experience, management of donation, warehousing at the
Regions/Headquarter, transport/Logistics and Procurement. The data collected was analyzed and
thereafter data presented using frequency tables, pie charts and graphs. Findings suggest that
decentralization brought adherence to supply chain guidelines. These could indicate that training
on supply chain has been successful. The speed of supply chain, optimal use of resources and
management of funds is moderately effective. Beneficiary satisfaction was least effective. | en_US |
