Influence of Competitive Tendering on the Performance of Devolved System of Governments in Kenya

The purpose of study is to examine the influence of competitive tendering on the performance of devolved systems of governments in Kenya. A cross-sectional approach is adopted with primary data collected. The data yielded a response rate of 229 from 10 devolved systems of governments in Kenya, which were drawn mainly from supply chain and finance departments. The data collected was put through rigorous statistical analysis to test content validity as well as reliability. Further, a simple linear regression model was used to test relationships between competitive tendering and the performance of devolved systems of governments in Kenya. The finding proposes that successful execution of competitive tendering increases the performance of devolved systems of governments. The use of the competitive tendering method assists governments in attracting a huge pool of suppliers where they can choose their potential suppliers competitively and thus instil public confidence in the accountability of public resources. The study provides relevant knowledge in formulating a policy framework on efficient and effective management of the public procurement process in devolved systems of governments. Also, the study shows that if the competitive tendering method is properly embraced, it will increase the performance of devolved systems of governments. However, the study limited only to the competitive tendering method and yet it can only be applied in certain thresholds. Thus, a similar study can be conducted in the same sector but using other alternative procurement methods. The study provides a holistic approach in the application and use of the competitive tendering methods for improving the performance of devolved systems of governments. Also, the identified gaps provide future direction in research and encourage the adoption of the competitive tendering method as a way of promoting accountability of the use of public resources in the devolved systems of governments.