Factors Influencing Implementation Of E-Procurement In IFMIS Projects In Public Sector: A Case Of Ministry Of Water And Irrigation In Nairobi Kenya

Abstract

Over the last few years, the internet is changing the way business is done in every industry. e-procurement has dramatically changed the way purchasing is done. Both public and private sector institutions have embraced the benefits accrued from e-procurement practices. The Kenyan government has recognized adoption of ICT in service delivery to the public and citizen in the Constitution. However, even given the potential benefits of e-procurement, most of government ministries have not effectively implemented the e-procurement practices. This study sought to investigate the factors influencing the implementation of e-procurement in the Ministry of Water and Irrigation. The study was guided by the following research objectives, to determine influence of top management commitment, information technology infrastructure, staff training and supplier capacity on implementation of e-procurement in the Ministry of Water and Irrigation. This research problem was studied through the use of a descriptive research design. The target populations of this study were staff working in several departments of the Ministry of Water and Irrigation headquartered in Nairobi. The study employed the stratified random sampling technique to come up with a sample size of 103 respondents from a population of 142. This study relied mostly on primary data that was collected by use of questionnaires. The study generated both qualitative and quantitative data. The quantitative data was coded and entered into Statistical Packages for Social Scientists (SPSS Version 21.0) and was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Qualitative data was presented in tables while the explanation to the same was presented in prose. The study concludes that top management commitment is critical in the implementation of e-procurement in the Ministry of Water and Irrigation, the success in e-procurement implementation also relies on Information technology infrastructure, staff training and supplier capacity the research concludes that that e–Procurement enhances accountability through elimination of corruption, errors and hence ensuring efficiency of procurement systems. e- Procurement ensures that there is technology to monitor and ensure that internal processes are in place and they are function, e- Procurement system enhances coordination of procurement process and hence reduces bureaucracy which enhances efficiency of organizations; e- Procurement system eliminates overlapping or conflicting jobs or duties, and that adoption of e- procurement decreased the level of bureaucracy in the organisation which enhanced the efficiency of procurement process. The research recommends that the Top management should show full commitment throughout the implementation process; this will serve as a motivation to the personnel in the lower levels of management. The government should train its employees to reduce resistance to ICT in the organisation. The government should also lay in the proper infrastructure and ICT platform. Government ministries and Parastatals should consider adoption of ICT in their procurement process. It is very important that the procurement function in the institution is discharged with probity, transparency and accountability in a manner that secures best value for the organisation. Purchasing professionals should take the time to understand the fundamentals of ethical behavior when selecting and managing suppliers as well being aware their own personal responsibilities and demonstrate integrity at all times.