INFLUENCE OF INFORMATION SEEKING BEHAVIOR ON ACCESS TO PREFERENTIAL GOVERNMENT PROCUREMENT BY SPECIAL GROUPS (YOUTH AND WOMEN) IN NAIROBI COUNTY KENYA

Abstract

Purpose: The main aim of this study was to investigate influence of information seeking behavior on access to preferential government procurement by special groups (youth and women) in Nairobi county Kenya. Specifically, the study sought to; to determine the extent to which influence of sources of information has on access to preferential government procurement by Special Groups (Youth and Women) In Nairobi County ,to assess the extent to which type of information has on preferential Government Procurement by Special Groups (Youth and Women) In Nairobi County Kenya, to investigate the purpose of information has on preferential government procurement by special groups (youth and women) in Nairobi county Kenya.to assess the influence of frequency of information on preferential government procurement by special groups (youth and women) in Nairobi county Kenya.Methodology: The study was based on the public interest theory, transaction cost theory and youth empowerment theory. The study adopted a descriptive research design. The study targeted the 150 special group’s youth and women in Kenya. The study used descriptive survey design. The study used primary data collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. The study used the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) computer software for analysis. The statistics generated included descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. Microsoft excel was used to complement SPSS especially in production of diagrams and tables. A multiple linear regression model was used to test the significance of the influence of the independent variables on the dependent variable. The analyzed data was presented in frequency tables and charts.Results: The study found out that source of information and Preferential Government Procurement are positively and significant related (r=0.196, p=0.000), type of information and Preferential Government Procurement are positively and significantly related (r=0.191, p=0.000). It was further established that purpose of information and Preferential Government Procurement were positively and significantly related (r=0.099, p=0.005). Similarly, frequency of information and Preferential Government Procurement were positively and significantly related(r=0.165, p=0.001).Recommendation: The study recommends that PPOA should roll out youth and women based training for all members of staff dealing with any procurement matters. The training should focus on formal tools and methods of procurement friendly to youth and women participation.