Supply Chain Disruptions and Performance of Beverage Distributors in Nairobi County During the Covid-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The primary objective of this investigative pursuit was to scrutinize the ramifications of supply chain disturbances triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic on the operational efficacy of beverage distributors within the confines of Nairobi County. In pursuit of this overarching objective, the research was meticulously crafted with a myriad of distinct objectives poised to be realized. These objectives encompassed gauging the magnitude of supply chain disruptions faced by beverage distributors in Nairobi County during the COVID-19 pandemic, pinpointing the strategies and measures employed to alleviate these disruptions, and assessing the repercussions of these supply chain challenges on the operational performance of beverage distributors in Nairobi during the pandemic. The study was guided by three theoretical frameworks: the swift and even flow theory, the normal accident theory, and the structural contingency theory. It employed a cross- sectional descriptive research design and focused on the 97 beverage distributors in Nairobi as its study population. The study employed a census approach. The Data analysis involved statistical approaches encompassing both descriptive and inferential methodologies, utilizing the SPSS statistical software. Regression analysis results indicated R2 value of 0.630 which suggests the extent to which fluctuations in operational performance among beverage distributors in Nairobi occurred. The outcomes of the research indicate that the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in substantial disruptions within the supply chain of beverage distributors in Nairobi County. These disruptions had discernible adverse effects on their operational performance, influencing both financial and customer-related facets. However, distributors responded by implementing various mitigation strategies to navigate the challenges and minimize the adverse effects of disruptions. These findings emphasize the critical significance of establishing resilient supply chains and implementing contingency planning strategies to navigate unexpected disruptions effectively. The present study has furnished a valuable addition to the existing knowledge base. Nevertheless, there are possibilities for additional research to address existing voids in our understanding. While this research successfully demonstrated a significant relationship between supply chain distractions triggered by COVID-19 and resilience among beverage distributors in Nairobi, it is crucial to duplicate comparable studies in other cities across Kenya. This is crucial because disparities in operating environments and business conditions in different cities may influence the research findings. Furthermore, conducting similar studies in the service sectors is recommended, as differences in the nature of service-related businesses might render the findings of the current study less applicable in those contexts. One limitation of the research was the time constraints faced by respondents when completing the questionnaires. One limitation of the research was the time constraints faced by respondents when completing the questionnaires. The study also suggests that the beverage can actively contribute to enhancing supply chain resilience by working with suppliers and logistics providers to develop more robust and efficient supply chain networks.