Institutional capacity and implementation of the public procurement and asset disposal act (2015) in central region economic bloc counties

Abstract

The implementation of the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act, 2015 is essential for ensuring transparency, efficiency, and accountability in public procurement in the counties and the public sector at large. However, despite the enactment of PPADA in 2015, counties continue to face persistent challenges in its implementation, largely due to weak institutional capacity. This study therefore, analysed the influence top county leadership, staff competence, technological infrastructure, and financial resources on the implementation of PPADA, 2015 in the Central Region Economic Bloc counties. The study was guided by Resource-Based View, Institutional Theory, Public Choice Theory, and Stakeholder Theory. The study adopted a mixed-methods explanatory design integrating quantitative and qualitative approaches. The target population was all employees in the county’s procurement and supply chain directorates. The study used balloting to select five counties or 50% out of the ten CEREB counties. The study then conducted a census of all employees involved in procurement in the selected counties. Quantitative data gathered using structured questionnaires while key informant interviews and content analysis of the PPADA, 2015, were used to gather qualitative data. A total of 114 procurement and supply chain employees were reached and satisfactorily filled the questionnaires. Four key interviews were successfully conducted among the senior management in the procurement and supply chain management directorate. Quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistics in form of means and inferential statistical through multiple regression analysis. The qualitative data was analysed using thematic analysis. The content analysis revealed that Section 33 of the PPADA, 2015 is the one that regulates the procurement function in the counties. The study found that top county leadership had significant influence on the implementation of PPADA, 2015, while staff competence, technological infrastructure, and financial resources had an insignificant influence on the implementation of PPADA. The study concluded that implementation of PPADA, 2015 in the CEREB counties was largely dependent on the active involvement and commitment of county leadership with staff competence, technological infrastructure and financial resources emerging as weak links. The study recommends continued strengthening county leadership commitment by linking procurement plans to development goals, enhancing procurement staff training, and improving the integration of eGPS and technological systems to ensure desired implementation of PPADA, 2015.