Enhancing Public Procurement Performance through Supplier Relationship Management: Evidence from Kenya’s Independent Government Commissions

Abstract

This study explored how Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) practices affect the procurement performance of the independent government commissions in Kenya. To be specific, it evaluated the impact of supplier communication, supplier performance monitoring, supplier collaboration, and supplier development on procurement performance. Its aim was to established the effect of every SRM practice on the procurement performance of independent government commissions in Kenya. The ultimate goal was to enhance efficiency, accountability, and service delivery in the public procurement. The research adopted a correlational design; with unit of observation being the staff of senior, middle, and lower-level supply chain management among twelve independent commissions. A representative sample of 102 respondents was selected through stratified random sampling. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data, pre-tested on reliability and validity. SPSS (v.27) was used for descriptive statistics and inferential statistics (i.e. Pearson correlation, and linear regressions) analyses. Results have shown that supplier communication, supplier collaboration, supplier performance monitoring, and supplier development significantly influence procurement performance of independent commissions in Kenya. In multivariate regression, all the data proved statistically significant except supplier development. The research suggests the improvement of timely and formal supplier communication, the establishment of monitoring systems, the promotion of cooperative relationships, and the introduction of specific supplier development programs. These steps are likely to streamline procurement performance, enhance transparency, and enhance service delivery in independent government commissions in Kenya