Factors affecting implementation of public procurement asset and disposal act in devolved government systems: A case study of narok county government

Abstract

Most governments all over the world are attempting to identify key functions to enhance their procurement performance. The public procurement and disposal Act is an act of parliament that was passed in the year 2005 to regulate public procurement functions and practices in Kenya. The adoption of the Act has been faced with several factors affecting its implementation since its introduction and enactment. The main objective of the study was to determine factors affecting implementation of public procurement and disposal Act. However the specific objectives were; to determine how finance affects the implementation of PPADA in Narok county government, to determine how employee competence affects the implementation of PPADA in Narok county government, to identify how ethical practices affect the implementation of PPADA in Nakuru county government and to establish how top management support affects the implementation of PPADA in Nakuru county government. The study adopted a case study research design. The study targeted 45 employees working under procurement department in county government of Nakuru. Therefore strata sampling design was used whereby 30 respondents were selected to participate in the study. A structured questionnaire was used to collect both primary and secondary data from the respondents. The instrument was pilot tested to determine its reliability and validity before being used to collect data for the main study. The collected data was analyzed using descriptive both in frequency and percentage. The data was presented using tables. The study established that ethical practices, finance, employee competence and management support affects implementation of Public Procurement Asset and Disposal Act. Unethical practices were paramount in procurement system from advertisement of bids to contract performance and evaluation. Employees were not well multi- skilled to deal with complex procurement process, misuse and misappropriation of funds in whole procurement process was another challenge, management does not give support to implementers of PPADA. The study recommended that Narok county government should continue creating awareness on matters touching PPADA and should uphold ethical standards. It is further advised that adequate funds should be provided by the county and budget well drawn for efficient implementation of the Act. Employees ought to be trained on different fields in procurement and management should register their full support to those charged with the PPADA implementation.