Factors Influencing The Adoption Of Green Procurement In Manufacturing Industries In Nairobi, Kenya

Abstract

In the wake of international outcry against runaway global warming, companies are increasingly being called upon to adopt green procurement practices. This emanates from the fact that adoption of these practices is seen as a panacea to adverse effects of environmental degradation. The study set out to investigate the factors influencing the adoption of green procurement in manufacturing industries in Nairobi, Kenya. The objectives of the study were to examine the influence of top management support on the adoption of green procurement in manufacturing industries in Nairobi, Kenya, assess the influence of ICT infrastructure on the adoption of green procurement in manufacturing industries in Nairobi, Kenya, determine the influence of supplier management practices on the adoption of green procurement in manufacturing industries in Nairobi, Kenya and, explore the influence of staff training on the adoption of green procurement in manufacturing industries in Nairobi, Kenya. The study was based on four theoretical foundations namely: organization theory, supply chain management theory, technology adoption model and learning organizational theory. The study used the descriptive survey research design to gather data on the utilization of green procurement in the 2300 manufacturing industries in Nairobi. The population included in this study was 2198 procurement officers drawn from the manufacturing industries that had such officers. Simple random sampling was used to obtain a sample of 96 persons. Data was collected using questionnaires. Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) software was used to analyze quantitative data received from closed ended questions. Various statistical tests were undertaken on the data. These include means, percentages, frequencies, correlation analysis, and multivariate regression analysis. Data from open-ended questions was subjected to content analysis. The findings show that there were significant relationships between the Adoption of Green Procurement and independent variables as follows: top managements, r=0.796 p<0.05; ICT infrastructure level, r=0.854, p<0.05; supply chain management practices, r=0.826, p<0.05; and staff training, r=0.854, p<0.05). Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) shows that top managements, ICT infrastructure level, supply chain management practices and staff training could statistically and significantly predict the adoption of Green Procurement (F= 120.582, p<0.05). In this light thus, the study concludes that top managements, ICT infrastructure level, supply chain management practices, and staff training influenced the adoption of Green Procurement. Based on the findings of the study, the study recommends that top management must be proactive in addressing internal barriers to green procurement. It is also important for manufacturing firms to roll out and sustain modern ICT technologies. Strategies must be put in place by firms to ensure those suppliers relationships with the firm are positively kept. In addition, Supply chain management practices can pose a threat to the effectiveness of green procurement. As a result, it necessitates close collaboration between company departments and businesses, resulting in a harmonious integration of GP practices into the supply chain. Manufacturing firms in Nairobi should put in place strategies for continuous training of procurement staff and mentoring of new employees.