The challenges in the implementation of the 2005 procurement act in the Kenyan Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology

Abstract

The objective of the study was to establish the challenges facing the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology (Kenya) in the implementation of the Procurement and Disposal Act (2005). The study was a case study of the Ministry and an interview guide was developed and administered by the researcher to identified respondents within the Ministry. Data was obtained by personal interviews of committee members who were involved in the implementation of the Procurement and Disposal Act (2005) in the Ministry. Data was analyzed using content analysis. It was established that members of staff have not been sensitized about the procurement and disposal Act (2005). Procurement procedures were bureaucratic. The main implementation challenges were identified as inadequate staff, resistance to change, poor communication, lack of staff training, and non allocation of resources for implementation of the Act. Further, it was noted that the Ministry lacks policy on implementation of new strategy. Other challenges to implementation of the procurement and disposal Act (2005) were lack of monitoring and evaluation; and weak teamwork within the Ministry. Benefits of implementation of procurement and disposal Act included higher procurement efficiency; transparency; improved quality and timely delivery of goods and services; and reduced tendering procedures. Following these findings and their significance on implementation of the Act, it was recommended that; a) The Ministry needs to recruit adequate and qualified procurement professionals to fast track implementation of the Act. b) The Ministry needs to draw and implement a training programme for procurement staff and others involved in implementation of the Act. c) There is need to improve communication both within and outside the organisation by embracing information and communication technology (ICT). The Ministry needs to use Emails and Websites for purposes of communication. vi d) There is a need to match implementation with resource allocations. Consequently, it is advisable that the Ministry reallocates some financial resources to the procurement department to facilitate implementation of the Act. e) Future research need to investigate the influence of information and communication technology (ICT) on strategy implementation in the public sector.