The challenges in the implementation of the 2005 procurement act in the Kenyan Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology
Abstract
The objective of the study was to establish the challenges facing the Ministry of Higher
Education, Science and Technology (Kenya) in the implementation of the Procurement and
Disposal Act (2005). The study was a case study of the Ministry and an interview guide
was developed and administered by the researcher to identified respondents within the
Ministry. Data was obtained by personal interviews of committee members who were
involved in the implementation of the Procurement and Disposal Act (2005) in the
Ministry. Data was analyzed using content analysis.
It was established that members of staff have not been sensitized about the procurement
and disposal Act (2005). Procurement procedures were bureaucratic. The main
implementation challenges were identified as inadequate staff, resistance to change, poor
communication, lack of staff training, and non allocation of resources for implementation
of the Act. Further, it was noted that the Ministry lacks policy on implementation of new
strategy. Other challenges to implementation of the procurement and disposal Act (2005)
were lack of monitoring and evaluation; and weak teamwork within the Ministry. Benefits
of implementation of procurement and disposal Act included higher procurement
efficiency; transparency; improved quality and timely delivery of goods and services; and
reduced tendering procedures.
Following these findings and their significance on implementation of the Act, it was
recommended that;
a) The Ministry needs to recruit adequate and qualified procurement
professionals to fast track implementation of the Act.
b) The Ministry needs to draw and implement a training programme for
procurement staff and others involved in implementation of the Act.
c) There is need to improve communication both within and outside the
organisation by embracing information and communication technology (ICT).
The Ministry needs to use Emails and Websites for purposes of
communication.
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d) There is a need to match implementation with resource allocations.
Consequently, it is advisable that the Ministry reallocates some financial
resources to the procurement department to facilitate implementation of the
Act.
e) Future research need to investigate the influence of information and
communication technology (ICT) on strategy implementation in the public
sector.
Citation
Master Of Business Administration School Of Business, University Of Nairobi. March, 2008Publisher
University of Nairobi,