Public Sector In Kenya Research Articles

Workforce Cost Model for Expanding Congenital and Rheumatic Heart Disease Services in Kenya.

Cardiovascular disease is the number one global killer, with over three quarters of these deaths arising from the populations of low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Addressing the burden of cardiovascular disease in LMICs must include medical and surgical services for these patients. In this article, we model the needs and costs to scale up the cardiac provider workforce in Kenya, which can be adapted to other LMICs based on country-specific workforce hours and workforce salaries. Using published epidemiological reports from sub-Saharan Africa, we structured the model based on the expected disease burden of congenital and rheumatic disease in a simulated 1,000-person population. Services modeled include clinic visits, echocardiograms, diagnostic cardiac catheterizations, interventional catheterizations, and heart surgery. Costs were modeled based on Kenyan public sector salaries. After scaling the model, we created a sensitivity analysis of change in service duration and salaries. Based on a 1,000-person Kenyan population, we estimate that 2.5 heart surgeries will be needed every year, with a corresponding annual workforce cost of US$526. Including accompanying services of clinic visits, echocardiograms, and both diagnostic and interventional cardiac catheterizations, the total annual workforce cost is US$899. Based on estimated productive hours for public sector workforce, 196 full-time equivalent cardiac surgeons will be needed for the entire population of Kenya (2017 figure). We present a model for appropriate cardiovascular service staffing based on disease burden and workforce costs. This model can be scaled up as needed to plan for local capacity building.

DETERMINANTS OF EFFECTIVE PROCUREMENT PERFORMANCE AMONG DONOR FUNDED PROJECTS IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR IN KENYA

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to examine the determinants of effective procurement performance among donor funded projects in the public sector in Kenya with an aim of making recommendations on proper use of effective procurement performance practices.Methodology: This research study adopted a descriptive research design approach. The researcher preferred this method because it allows an in-depth study of the subject. To gather data, structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 126 procurement staff in the various departments in the ministry of agriculture. Once collected, data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Quantitative data was analyzed using multiple regression analysis. The qualitative data generated was analyzed by use of Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.Results: The findings of the study indicated that staff competency, resource allocation, procurement planning and contract management have a positive relationship with effective procurement performance among donor funded projects in the public sector.Conclusion: Based on the study findings, the study concludes that procurement performance among donor funded projects can be improved by staff competency, resource allocation, and procurement planning and contract management.Policy recommendation: The study recommended that public institutions should embrace effective procurement performance so as to improve procurement performance and further researches should to be carried out in other public institutions to find out if the same results can be obtained.

DETERMINANTS OF EFFECTIVE PROCUREMENT PERFORMANCE AMONG DONOR FUNDED PROJECTS IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR IN KENYA

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to examine the determinants of effective procurement performance among donor funded projects in the public sector in Kenya with an aim of making recommendations on proper use of effective procurement performance practices.Methodology: This research study adopted a descriptive research design approach. The researcher preferred this method because it allows an in-depth study of the subject. To gather data, structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 126 procurement staff in the various departments in the ministry of agriculture. Once collected, data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Quantitative data was analyzed using multiple regression analysis. The qualitative data generated was analyzed by use of Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.Results: The findings of the study indicated that staff competency, resource allocation, procurement planning and contract management have a positive relationship with effective procurement performance among donor funded projects in the public sector.Conclusion: Based on the study findings, the study concludes that procurement performance among donor funded projects can be improved by staff competency, resource allocation, and procurement planning and contract management.Policy recommendation: The study recommended that public institutions should embrace effective procurement performance so as to improve procurement performance and further researches should to be carried out in other public institutions to find out if the same results can be obtained.

Procedural and Institutional Challenges on the Practice of Integrity and Ethical Practices in the Public Sector in Kenya

World over, public officials have often been embroiled in scandals of varying magnitude. The genesis for most of these scandals is the gradual deterioration in ethical behavior of public officials, which has given rise to all kinds of malpractices. This has triggered an outcry from various stakeholders, especially the general public, for the development and implementation of policies that address ethics, integrity, transparency, accountability and professionalism, to promote accountability in the management of public resources and improve public sector results. This study sought out to investigate the challenges of ethics, accountability, transparency, integrity and professionalism in the public service. It specifically discussed how procedural factors and institutional factors impede the practice of integrity and ethical practices in Kenya's public service. The paper anchored its study on the Public Choice Theory and Broken Window Theory. The paper relied on primary data collected from the ethics and anti-corruption commission office. Procedural factors and institutional factors were found to be satisfactory in explaining integrity and ethical practices in the public sector. This is supported by coefficient of determination also known as the R square of 72.4%. This means that procedural factors and institutional factors explain 72.4% of the variations in integrity and ethical practices. The R2 before moderation was 72.4% but after moderation the R2 improved to 75.9%. This implies that legal framework enhances the provision of integrity and ethical practices in the public sector. Regression analysis indicated that procedural factors and integrity and ethical practices in the public sector had a positive and significant relationship (r=.228, p=0.030). It was also found that institutional factors and integrity and ethical practices in the public sector have a positive and significant relationship (r=.390, p=0.000). The study concluded that procedural factors and institutional factors, challenge integrity and ethical practices in the public sector in Kenya. The study recommends the revision of procedures in investigating and prosecuting individuals who commit economic crimes. The procedures should be systematic and supported legally. The study recommends the cooperation of various government institutions in taming and fighting graft. The various institutions include department of Criminal Investigation, EACC, the Judiciary, civil society and the religious groups. When this entire group pulls together, graft in Kenya will be rooted out. The study recommends the facilitation of all institutions by enhancing their capacity and capability in fighting graft. There should be clear law on economic crime that is testable in the court of law

Effect Of Audit Committee Financial Competence On Quality Of Financial Reporting Among Non-Commercial State Corporations In Kenya

The purpose of this research was to establish the effect of audit committee financial competence on quality of financial reporting in non-commercial state corporations in Kenya. The research was founded on agency theory, lending credibility theory and theory of inspired confidence. Empirical evidence on influence of audit committee financial competence on quality of financial reporting was reviewed analysed and research gaps identified. The research adopted descriptive research design and the target population was the seventy two non-commercial state corporations that existed subsequent to the introduction of The National Treasury guidelines in 2005 on formation and operationalization of audit committees in the public sector in Kenya. Descriptive statistics used in presentation of findings include frequencies, mean and standard deviation, while inferential statistics used are correlation and regression analysis. Regression analysis was employed to measure the relationship between dependent and independent variables. The findings from both correlation and regression analysis revealed that audit committee financial competence had a statistically significant relationship with the quality of financial reporting. The results revealed that audit committee financial competence reduced the ratio of queried transactions to annual budget of non-commercial state corporations in Kenya. From the findings, the research concluded that members of audit committees of non-commercial state corporations should have some level of financial competence in order to enhance the quality of their financial reporting and that audit committees should consist of members with knowledge in accounting and finance which provides a good basis for audit committee members to examine and analyse financial information.

Fever case management at private health facilities and private pharmacies on the Kenyan coast: analysis of data from two rounds of client exit interviews and mystery client visits

BackgroundPrivate sector availability and use of malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) lags behind the public sector in Kenya. Increasing channels through which quality malaria diagnostic services are available can improve access to testing and help meet the target of universal diagnostic testing. Registered pharmacies are currently not permitted to perform blood tests, and evidence of whether malaria RDTs can be used by non-laboratory private providers in line with the national malaria control guidelines is required to inform ongoing policy discussions in Kenya.MethodsTwo rounds of descriptive cross-sectional exit interviews and mystery client surveys were conducted at private health facilities and registered pharmacies in 2014 and 2015, 6 and 18 months into a multi-country project to prime the private sector market for the introduction of RDTs. Data were collected on reported RDT use, medicines received and prescribed, and case management of malaria test-negative mystery clients. Analysis compared outcomes at facilities and pharmacies independently for the two survey rounds.ResultsAcross two rounds, 534 and 633 clients (including patients) from 130 and 120 outlets were interviewed, and 214 and 250 mystery client visits were completed. Reported testing by any malaria diagnostic test was higher in private health facilities than registered pharmacies in both rounds (2014: 85.6% vs. 60.8%, p < 0.001; 2015: 85.3% vs. 56.3%, p < 0.001). In registered pharmacies, testing by RDT was 52.1% in 2014 and 56.3% in 2015. At least 75% of test-positive patients received artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) in both rounds, with no significant difference between outlet types in either round. Provision of any anti-malarial for test-negative patients ranged from 0 to 13.9% across outlet types and rounds. In 2015, mystery clients received the correct (negative) diagnosis and did not receive an anti-malarial in 75.5% of visits to private health facilities and in 78.4% of visits to registered pharmacies.ConclusionsNon-laboratory staff working in registered pharmacies in Kenya can follow national guidelines for diagnosis with RDTs when provided with the same level of training and supervision as private health facility staff. Performance and compliance to treatment recommendations are comparable to diagnostic testing outcomes recorded in private health facilities.

Insights into Kenya’s public sector innovation: the case of managers

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to assess innovation in public sector organisations (PSOs) from the middle managers’ perspectives. Several studies have been conducted on innovation drivers in organisations; however, such studies are limited when it comes to the public sector. Innovation is a term that has been synonymous with the private sector, until of late when public sector organisations adopted the terminology.Design/methodology/approachThe present study adopts a qualitative approach. The findings are based on a sample of selected 16 middle managers from two PSOs in Kenya. The study relies on focus group discussions (FGDs) to collect data. The data are analysed thematically, based on categorisation.FindingsFirst, the results identified drivers, barriers, strategies to overcome barriers, innovation outcomes/indicators and the status of innovation in Kenya’s public sector. Second, the study points to policy directions, theory and practice.Research limitations/implicationsThe study suggests that innovation drivers in the public sector greatly depend on government and top management, particularly the way they craft policies and provide support for innovative behaviours. The current findings are limited to innovation activities of the public sector in Kenya, specifically the two organisations.Originality/valueThe findings from this research can aid the understanding of the nature of innovation in PSOs given that it is empirically based on middle managers’ insights.

Exploring the Motivation behind Leakage of Internal Audit Reports (Whistle Blowing) in the Public Sector in Kenya

The objective of this study was to explore the various motivators behind leakage of internal audit reports in public sector in Kenya. Leakage of information was considered as a mild act of whistleblowing. This study made use of primary data obtained from 23 internal auditors randomly selected from the public sector. The relevant data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and also subjected to Pearson coefficient of correlation and multiple linear regression analysis techniques. The results obtained by the study indicate that there was a significant influence of staff dissatisfaction, compensation, reporting structures, policy framework, public protection and personal conviction on information leakage in the public sector in Kenya. However, reputation, management commitment and accountability enforcement were found to be insignificant motivators behind information leakage.

The Effect of Adoption of International Public Sector Accounting Standards on Quality of Financial Reports in Public Sector in Kenya

Quality financial reports plays significant role in accountability of government to their citizens and how it meets its financial management responsibilities. The introduction of IPSAS formed an important part of public sector reforms and followed a global trend in government accounting in response to calls for greater government financial accountability and transparency which is a fundamental principles of democracy. This study focused on effect of adoption of IPSAS on quality of financial reports in meeting the criteria for decision usefulness. The design of this study was the descriptive survey design while the target population was the 19 ministries of the national government in Kenya. Data was collected using secondary means and was analysed using descriptive statistics and t-test for differences. The study indicated enhancement in the quality of characteristics of comparability, relevance, timeliness and faithful representation by adoption of IPSAS while the quality of characteristics of understandability declined. The study also showed no significant difference in items pertaining to transparency and accountability indicating that the goal for government reforms in achieving greater transparency and accountability may not be fully achieved. The study also revealed that adoption of IPSAS is adjudged to have moderate effect on quality of financial reports in public sector in Kenya using a 5 point likert scale. The study concluded that there exist statistically significant difference between old accounting standard-based financial reports and IPSAS-based financial reports in meeting the criteria for decision usefulness as revealed by paired-sample t-test.

Appraising the role of public sector in Kenya’s competitiveness as a tourism investment destination: Hotel investors’ perspectives

This study sought to investigate on hotel investors’ perspectives on the role of the public sector in Kenya’s competitiveness as an investment destination for the tourism industry. The study adopted an exploratory research design involving 24 executives drawn from hotel companies that operated 3- to 5-star hotels in Kenya. The study found out that entrepreneurship, and legislation and regulation functions were considered the most significant roles of Kenya’s public sector in creating a competitive environment for the tourism sector. The study further found out that the public sector roles of coordination, planning and stimulation were considered of less significance to attracting hotel investments. The paper recommends that the government seeks to address the noted concerns and notes the need for further research on the efficacy of the different investment promotion initiatives in view of the amount of resources that the government commits in terms of incentives to the sector.

The Influence of Positive Reinforcement on Employee Motivation at the Nakuru County Government

Positive reinforcement is a motivational technique meant to elicit and to strengthen new behaviors by adding rewards and incentives instead of eliminating benefits. When used correctly, positive reinforcement can be very effective. This could go a long way to increase employee motivation and improve the public image of the organization. However, positive reinforcement has not yet been investigated as a employee motivator in the context of the nascent county governments in Kenya. As such the extent to which it is applied to influence employee motivation remains largely unknown. Therefore, this study sought to determine the influence of positive reinforcement on motivation of employees focusing on the Nakuru County Government. This study adopted the case study design targeting 80 Nakuru County Government management and staff members using simple random sampling. The questionnaires were used as instruments of data collection. Data was analyzed in using both descriptive and inferential statistical methods. The results revealed that positive reinforcement significantly (r = 0.404, p < 0.05) promoted employee motivation at the Nakuru County Government. The findings underscored the importance of positive reinforcement on employee motivation. Therefore, it is recommended that positive reinforcement of employees needs to be encouraged in organizations especially in the public sector in Kenya where demand for improved service delivery is rising as citizens become more aware of their rights and entitlements.

Predicting E-Procurement Utilization in Independent Commissions in Kenya

E-procurement has recently been introduced in the Kenyan public sector due to the many practical advantages it brings. Usage of the system is still at a very nascent stage. This paper sought to predict e-procurement utilization by analyzing the constructs of the Extended Technology Acceptance Model. The study administered a questionnaire to 229 employees of the 11independent commissions in the country. Regression analysis was done to describe the significance and the strength of relationships between variables. The analysis yielded important findings that partially support research hypotheses. The results indicated that subjective norm and reliability of the system influence utilization of the system while compatibility was insignificant. All the identified elements have correlations with the model elements and in turn impact on the behavioral intention to use the system. This study would influence government technology plans through implementation of policies that enhance adoption of emerging technologies in the public sector.

Adoption of Code Restructuring to Enhance Full Cycle End-to-End Integrated Financial Management Information System in the Public Sector in Kenya: A Review Paper

This paper reviewed literature on adoption of Code Restructuring in enhancing adoption of Full Cycle End-To-End Integrated Financial Management Information System (IFMIS) in Kenyan Public Sector. The paper reviewed literature published both in Kenya and in other Nations to establish if Code Restructuring can be used to enhance adoption of Full Cycle End-To-End Integrated Financial Management Information System in the public sector in Kenya. The study established that effective adoption of IFMIS has been hindered by poor Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) infrastructure and structure. The study revealed that Code restructuring can be used to enhance quality of IFMIS outcome. Code restructuring can enhance performance of IFMIS applications and interfaces to levels needed to achieve Full Cycle End-To-End IFMIS. In addition, code restructuring can be used to solve system based problems commonly faced in reengineering of IFMIS to a Full Cycle End-To-End IFMIS. The study also established that other factors such as management support, staff training, integration and communication system and stakeholder acceptance are critical determinants of successful adoption of IFMIS. The study recommends that a survey be done in Kenya to assess whether code restructuring can be used to achieve successful Full Cycle End-To-End IFMIS given the conditions and challenges unique to Kenyan public sector.

Functional Boundaries as a Tacit Knowledge Sharing Factor and Its Effect on Public Sector Performance in Kenya

Knowledge is a crucial component in the growth of any organization and it forms a significant fraction of all the resources required for organizational growth. Out of the renowned factors of production namely land, labor, capital, entrepreneur and management, three out of the five factors (60%) are human factors (resource) which are actually the main drivers of knowledge management and tacit knowledge sharing. The world revolution has seen economies come from reliance on land ownership (the agricultural age), where the backbone of the economy is purely agriculture, through to the industrial age (reliance on industrialization) and now is the knowledge focus (reliance on knowledge gathering, acquisition and storage as a competitive advantage) which is the third wave of human socio-economic development. In a knowledge society, the basic economic resource is no longer capital, or natural resources or even labour, but knowledge. Knowledge is now recognized as a resource that is at par with other economic resources. It is noted that in the knowledge age, 2% of the working population will work on the land (agriculture), 10% will work in the industry (industrialization) and the rest will be in knowledge (tacit). In the Kenyan civil service, there seems to be ignorance in the amount of knowledge that flows through the Kenyan civil service every day. Chief among the reasons for this scenario is strong hierarchical (functional boundaries or strict demarcations), and bureaucracies that impede generation, distribution and sharing of knowledge and information. The performance of the Kenya public sector had failed to meet the stipulated targets as was indicated by the performance of the economic, social and other sectors in the year 2012 and 2013. In addition, empirical evidence reveals that there is a lacuna in the studies associated with tacit knowledge sharing and performance of the public sector in Kenya. The study therefore focuses on the influence of functional boundaries as a factor of tacit knowledge sharing and how they affect public sector performance in Kenya.

A Review of Economic Status and Public Sector Financial Management Reforms in Kenya

&lt;em&gt;Practical concerns relating to successful public financial management ultimately determines whether or not there is good governance at all public sector institutions&lt;/em&gt;&lt;em&gt;. Although there is growing literature on national public financial management in general, the researchers feel that less attention has been focused on the financial management reforms in Kenya. This paper, therefore, reviewed literature on public sector financial management reforms in Kenya, starting with the current economic status in Kenya. The exceptionality of this paper was the use of a significant body of literature focusing on 15 articles concerning the public sector financial management reforms and economic status in Kenya. The findings could assist in creating awareness on the main themes of public sector financial management reforms within the Kenyan public sector and help the national policy makers to develop measures of enhancing performance within the sector.&lt;/em&gt;

Performance contracting and social capital (re)formation: A case study of Nairobi City Council in Kenya

This paper reports on a qualitative case study of Nairobi City Council (NCC) to, firstly, illuminate how social capital is constructed in discourses surrounding the introduction of performance contracting into the Kenyan public sector and secondly, examine how the introduction of performance contracting into the Kenyan public sector may have affected social capital formation within this authority. The data were collected via an extensive review of official government documents as well as qualitative interviews over a six-month period. The analysis reveals that there is perceived notable change in the social structure and working norms and values among employees following the implementation of performance contracting. This perceived change is however being frustrated by inadequate resources and entrenched attitudes and networks of patronage and corruption, especially at the top levels of government. The study illuminates how regulatory discourse, structural changes and incentive and coercive mechanisms combine in an effort to change social capital at the micro level of government agencies but how these efforts are thwarted by strongly embedded institutions. We conclude that performance contracts, on their own, are unlikely to transform the Kenyan public sector in the manner envisaged without political will and significant change in the wider socio-political environment.

Effect of Supplier Relationship Management on the Effectiveness of Supply Chain Management in the Kenya Public Sector

The main objective of the study was to assess factors affecting the effectiveness of supply chain management practices in Kenyan public sector case of Ministry of Finance with the aim of assessing the effect of supplier relationship on the effectiveness of supply chain management practices. The study adopted a descriptive case research design with study population of 120 management staff working at the Ministry of finances’ procurement, finance and administration departments from which a sample size of 60 respondents was drawn. Questionnaires were used for data collection and descriptive statistics data analysis method was applied to analyze data aided by Statistical Package for Social Sciences. The study identified that lack of supplier relationship management strategies lowered the effectiveness of supply chain management functions. The study recommended application of supplier collaboration strategies.

Service Quality and Customer Satisfaction in Public Transport Sector of Kenya: A Survey of Shuttle Travelers in Kitale Terminus

Public transport is important in economies since it permits the movement of factors of production and finished goods to the market. Economic survey of 2009 indicates that about 11.5% of the work force is employed in the transport industry. Customers, who are travellers, are the driving force of all firms’ survival and expansion, as they strive to satisfy customer needs. This study sought to investigate service quality and customer satisfaction in public sector in Kenya by undertaking a survey of shuttle travelers in Kitale. This study was guided by the following specific objectives: finding out the influence of travel time on customers’ satisfaction. The study was conducted in Kitale town at the shuttle terminus. The review of literature indicated that most of the studies had been conducted on taxis and Matatus in Kenya yielded mixed results. Hence it was worth to conduct the study. The research used survey design and the target population was all shuttle travelers in Kitale town. The information from shuttle office indicated that on daily basis about 3100 travelers use shuttles hence a sample size of 310 travelers was selected using simple sampling technique. The questionnaires and interview schedules were used to collect data. The data was analyzed using computer and presented in table using percentages. The regression was used to find out the influence of travel time, availability of information at booking office and frequency of route change on customers satisfaction. The study found that 76% of customers’ satisfaction was explained by independent variable. Travel time, information and frequency of route change were significant to customers’ satisfaction.

Embracing Continuous Auditing: A Case for Public Sector in Kenya

Aims: The objective of this study was to assess the current state of continuous auditing in the state departments in Kenya and to adapt a framework to implement continuous auditing by the Public Sector Audit Organization. Study Design: Adoption of existing model and survey using questionnaires. Place and Duration of Study: Kenya, 2013. Methodology: Existing continuous auditing models were studied and the Integrated Continuous Auditing, Monitoring and Assurance Conceptual Model was adopted for use. The model was tested using data collected using questionnaires. Data was collected from 76 auditors in the Public Sector Audit Organization. A database system of a government Ministry was used to demonstrate how data can be obtained directly from a client system. Results: The study found the need for training in the skills required for continuous auditing and the acquisition of IT resources and infrastructure were necessary in realizing continuous auditing. Conclusion: The paper shows that Public Sector Audit Organization in Kenya, like institutions in other countries such as USA [8] and Australia [11], are preparing to advance from traditional audit to continuous auditing. The Integrated Continuous Auditing, Monitoring and Assurance Conceptual Model would offer a good starting point.

An Assessment of Professionalism Level in Project Implementation in Kenya: A Case Study of Thika Municipal Council

Implementation of projects is preceded by project planning, plans that are contained in project documentation available in the preliminary stages. These plans include among others, technical proposals, budget plans, risk management plans, plan of action, and quality management plans. Nevertheless project planning is one thing and implementation is another. This study sought to explore how professionalism is connected to the success of project implementation. Literature review was guided by the theory on project management, best practices on implementation, as advanced in the ten factor model which was developed by (Pinto & Slevin, 1988a) in their Project Management Handbook. Thika Municipal Council of Kenya was taken as the case study representing Kenya Government bodies. Our Analysis found out that in general, Professionalism in Kenyan public sector was found wanting especially in the way projects are handled. In particular the research found out that, issues on time management, recruitment and client involvement were not keenly observed. Our research concluded that practitioners in the government bodies should derive benefit by paying attention to professionalism as advocated by various project-management theories for diverse classes of projects.