Last Mile Logistics and Service Delivery in Disaster Response Among Humanitarian Organizations in Kenya

Abstract

Response to disaster globally has been a challenge despite their upward trend. The study’s general objective was to establish how the last mile logistics affect service delivery. The study’s specific objectives were to determine the last mile logistic practices in disaster response among the humanitarian organizations in Kenya, and to determine the effects of last mile logistics on service delivery in humanitarian organizations in Kenya. The study was based on transactional cost theory and network theory. Crosssectional research design was applied in the study on a population of 850 INGOs and 6500 NGOs operating in Kenya as at 30th June 2020. Stratified sampling was used to choose a sample of 99 humanitarian organizations that were a representation of the population. Primary data that was gathered using structured questionnaires addressed to the supply chain managers of the selected INGOs and NGOs was utilized in this study. The questionnaire was tested for validity and reliability before application in the study. Descriptive statistics and regression analysis were used to analyse the collected data. The study findings established that humanitarian organizations engaged in various last mile logistics practice including partnering with other organizations, outsourcing of key last mile logistics processes and adopting best practices. The last mile logistics services mostly outsourced include material handling services, warehouse management services, management of inventory, management of transportation and ordering of materials and services. While outsourcing these last mile logistics services, the humanitarian organizations considered various vendor factors which included financial strength, experience, range of services provided by the vendor, cost of the logistics services provided, reliability, security and safety, and convenience. The humanitarian organizations mostly partnered with government ministries, agencies or departments, donors, not for profit organizations, and private sector organizations. The study determined that last mile logistics had a significant positive effect on operational efficiency, reputation and timeliness in service provision by the humanitarian organizations in Kenya. The study concludes that the surveyed humanitarian organizations had attained operational efficiency, reputation, and timeliness in service provision. On the effect of last mile logistics on service delivery of humanitarian organizations, the study concludes that last mile logistics were essential for operational efficiency, reputation and timeliness in service provision by the humanitarian organizations in Kenya. The study made the following recommendations. First, the study recommends all parties in the last mile logistics supply chain to be engaged the planning stage to improve coordination. The study also recommends that humanitarian organizations should plan, communicate and orchestrate the supply chain at each node to benefit from cost savings and efficiency, particularly in regard to last mile delivery of humanitarian products and services.