Environmental Factors Affecting Procurement Performance in County Governments: A Case of Uasin Gishu County

Abstract

The study sought to answer the following objectives; investigate the effect of market environment on procurement performance in Uasin Gishu county government., establish the contribution of legal environment on procurement performance in Uasin Gishu county government, determine the effect of political environment on procurement performance in Uasin Gishu county government and finally, to find out the contribution of social economic environment on procurement performance on Uasin Gishu county government From the findings of the study it is apparent that market environment, political environment, legal environment and socioeconomic environment have an impact on procurement performance. Under market environment, maximization of competition, accomplishment of socioeconomic objectives and fulfilment of government needs are the market components influencing procurement performance. Concerning the legal environment, aspects of contracts, personnel regulations, research and development regulations, manufacturing regulations and finance regulations are the aspects that affect procurement performance at Uasin Gishu County Government. The political environment influence on procurement performance entails; influence on budget authorization, alteration of procurement statutes, political pressures, compromising of different interest groups and involvement in all aspects of the public procurement system. Regarding the socioeconomic environment, aspects influencing procurement performance include; Favourable /unfavourable economic environment, Government Favours for tenders and Pressure from environmental activists. The study recommends that, decentralization of duties especially at the procurement department should be encouraged to minimize wastages and corruption resulting from centralization of power. Under market environment, maximization of competition, accomplishment of socioeconomic objectives and fulfilment of government needs are the market components influencing procurement performance. Concerning the legal environment, aspects of contracts, personnel regulations, research and development regulations, manufacturing regulations and finance regulations are the aspects that affect procurement performance at Uasin Gishu County Government. The political environment influence on procurement performance entails; influence on budget authorization, alteration of procurement statutes, political pressures, compromising of different interest groups and involvement in all aspects of the public procurement system. Regarding the socioeconomic environment, aspects influencing procurement performance include; Favourable /unfavourable economic environment, Government Favours for tenders and Pressure from environmental activists.