ANTECEDENTS OF EFFECTIVE ELECTRONIC GOVERNMENT PROCUREMENT IMPLEMENTATION IN KIAMBU COUNTY GOVERNMENT, KENYA

Abstract

Despite the World Bank elucidation of the reasons why governments should adopt e-procurement in the purchasing processes, the diverse potential offered by e-government procurement (e-GP) rests somewhat unacknowledged in many countries, and specifically so in the developing nations which are characterized by low levels of economic growth and industrialization, deprived infrastructure, unsophisticated technology, and unskilled human resources to name a few. Kenya is one of the developing nations where e-GP rests comparatively unappreciated; a challenge that is even compounded by the fact that, the national government devolved procurement responsibilities to the respective counties as stipulated and directed in the constitution. There are obstacles to the efficient adoption of e-GP within this context. In this respect, the current study sought to identify the key issues that could affect the success of the e-GP implementation and adoption process in the perspective of public sector, with special focus on Kiambu County government. All variables (e-GP planning, e-GP change management, e-GP policies, and e-GP HRM practices) had strong positive significant relationship with efficient e-GP implementation indicating that sound management plans guided by well-defined procedures and handled by trained and experienced HR professionals would lead to efficient e-GP implementation. In addition, e-GP HRM was the most significant predictor followed by e-GP planning and lastly e-GP policies). On the basis of these findings, it could be concluded that, for efficient e-GP implementation, e-GP HRM practices plays a vital role. However, the effect of e-GP change management was positive but insignificant demonstrating that in presence of e-GP planning, e-GP policies and e-GP HRM practices, changes in the procurement process would be well catered for.