INTERNET SOURCING AND ITS INFLUENCE ON SERVICE DELIVERY IN TURKANA COUNTY GOVERNMENT

Abstract

The aim of internet procurement adoption is to enhance the effectiveness, efficiency, transparency, and responsibility of public procurement. Kenyan county governments encountered procurement challenges during the Covid-19 period, leading to the implementation of internet procurement as a solution. This aligns with a global trend. The County of Turkana's procurement process has faced obstacles stemming from non-compliance with procurement laws and a lack of technological expertise. This study examines the impact of internet procurement on the Turkana County government's service delivery. The study aimed to assess the impact of internet sourcing characteristics on service delivery by the Turkana County administration. The study utilized the diffusion of innovation theory as an analytical framework. The research utilized correlational and descriptive survey designs. The audience comprised 60 individuals, consisting of 20 staff members and 30 procurement officers. A saturation sampling strategy was employed for sample size determination. Data was collected through questionnaires and interview schedules. Experts in management science confirmed the instruments’ validity. The West Pokot County Administration carried out a pilot project. A reliability test was conducted using Cronbach's alpha, with a minimum threshold of r>0.70. A multiple regression analysis was conducted to determine the extent to which the independent variables affected the variance in the dependent variable. The R-squared coefficient of determination for the multiple regression model indicates that service delivery accounted for a significant portion of the variation in the internet procurement process. The study found that internet sourcing had a significant positive impact on service delivery. The study suggests that an online supplier contract management system would be beneficial for the County government to handle supplier selection and management. The study's results suggest that internet procurement could enhance service delivery by the Turkana County administration and federal government.