Procurement Practices and Quality of Food Supplies in Secondary Schools: A Case of Nairobi County, Kenya

Abstract

This research aimed at determining Procurement Practices on Quality of Food Supplies in Secondary Schools in Nairobi County. Quality of food supplies is a global issue that this study wishes to respond to in Kenyan Secondary schools of Nairobi County. The research was guided by the following objectives: first, to investigate the relationship between e-Procurement and quality of food supplies in secondary schools in Nairobi County. Secondly, to assess the influence of supplier relationship management between suppliers and schools on quality of food supplies. Thirdly, to establish how procurement planning affect quality of food supplies and finally, to evaluate how risk management practices influence quality of food supplies in secondary schools, Nairobi County. The research used mixed method convergent parallel design. This study used total quality management theory and agency theory. The research used mixed method convergent parallel design. The researcher preferred this design since it was used to collect both qualitative and quantitative data, and it provided a better understanding of the research problem as well as build on the strengths of both qualitative and quantitative data. The study adopted a census technique since the population was small. The target population was 32 secondary schools. The study sample was 96 respondents including 32 principals, 32 procurement officers and 32 storekeepers sampled from 32 secondary schools Nairobi County. Data collection was done through interview schedules and questionnaires. Quantitative data was analyzed descriptively through the distribution of frequencies, which have been expressed in means and percentages. The results were achieved using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) program and presented in tables and graphs, while qualitative data was transcribed and translated into themes that support the quantitative findings through a content analysis approach. In its findings, the study revealed that e-Procurement, supplier relationship management, procurement planning, and risk management practices significantly influence quality of food supplies. The study has therefore recommended that in order to enhance quality of food supplies, schools should fully make use of e-procurement, which include e-sourcing, e-tendering and e-advertisement. In addition, there should be proper management of suppliers to ensure that they supply on time and provide quality food supplies. The procurement planning processes should be adhered to in order to ensure that no part of the process is skipped. The risks faced on procurement should be documented and minimized of eliminated. All these will ensure an efficient procurement process. Keywords: E-Procurement, Inspection, Procurement Practices, Quality, Supplier relationship