Tender Awarding Practices and Procurement Performance: A Case of Homa Bay County Government

Authors

  • Winnie Akoth
    Msc Student, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology
  • Prof. Willy Muturi
    Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology

Abstract

Purpose: The study aimed to investigate the influence of tender awarding practices on the procurement performance of the Homa Bay County Government, Kenya. The research was grounded in the Principal–Agent Theory and the New Public Management Theory.


Material/methods: The target population comprised 117 employees from key departments within the county government, including the Procurement Department, County Executive’s Office, Finance Department, Public Works, Health, and Human Resource Departments. A stratified random sampling technique was used to select a sample of 91 respondents. Data were collected through structured questionnaires. Instrument reliability was verified through a pilot study. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS Version 22, applying descriptive statistics (such as percentages) and inferential statistics (Pearson correlation and regression analysis).


Findings: The target population comprised 117 employees from key departments within the county government, including the Procurement Department, County Executive’s Office, Finance Department, Public Works, Health, and Human Resource Departments. A stratified random sampling technique was used to select a sample of 91 respondents. Data were collected through structured questionnaires. Instrument reliability was verified through a pilot study. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS Version 22, applying descriptive statistics (such as percentages) and inferential statistics (Pearson correlation and regression analysis).


Conclusion: The study concludes that effective tender awarding practices, with a focus on equitable pricing and the inclusion of local contractors, significantly improve procurement performance in county governments. These practices promote accountability, transparency, and the effective use of public resources.


Value: The study provides practical recommendations for county governments, including the institutionalization of accountability frameworks and support for local bidders as a strategy to improve public procurement performance, create employment, and uplift local economies. It contributes to the discourse on public sector procurement reforms and governance in devolved units.