Transparent procurement practices and performance of medical supply chain in Kenya

Abstract

The performance of medical supply chain is vital in ensuring timely and cost-effective delivery of healthcare products, directly impacting patient outcomes and the efficiency of health systems. This study investigates the effect of transparent procurement practices on the performance of medical supply chain in Kenya, with a focus on addressing the pervasive corruption and inefficiencies documented in the sector. A descriptive research design was adopted, utilizing both primary and secondary data collected through questionnaires administered to 100 supply chain management officers within 13 Semi-Autonomous Government Agencies (SAGAs) under the Ministry of Health. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS, employing descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression analysis. The findings revealed a significant positive relationship between transparent procurement practices and medical supply chain performance, with transparency accounting for 48.6% of the variance in performance (R² = 0.486, p < 0.05). Transparent procurement was found to mitigate stockouts, reduce procurement delays, and enhance accountability in resource allocation. These results underscore the importance of institutionalizing transparency measures in public procurement to enhance the efficiency and integrity of Kenya’s healthcare supply chain. The study recommends the adoption of an end-to-end digital procurement systems, training of procurement personnel, and stricter enforcement of public procurement laws and regulations to combat corruption and inefficiencies. These efforts will improve healthcare service delivery and contribute to public health resilience, especially in crisis situations. The findings provide valuable insights for policy and practice, emphasizing the need for transparency in public procurement systems.