Challenges facing the implementation of the Procurement Process of instructional materials in Kenyan public primary schools. A case of Wareng District, Uasin-Gishu County

Abstract

The main purpose of this study was to identify challenges facing the implementation of the procurement process of instructional materials in Kenyan Public Primary Schools in Wareng District-Uasin -Gishu County. The study was guided by the following objectives: to asses School Instructional Material Selection Committees (SIMSC's) knowledge and skills in the procurement process, to establish the level of compliance of the procurement policy, to determine the practices adopted by schools, and finally to determine the problems that hinder compliance. The study was based on the Systems theory as expressed by William and E. Thorndike (1903) which focuses on the need for a school (system) to function as a whole. A descriptive survey design was adopted; research was both quantitative and qualitative; questionnaires, interviews, and document analysis were used to collect data. Further, research instruments were tested for validity and reliability. A sample size of 153 respondents comprising 38 head teachers, 38 parents representatives, 77 panel heads, and 1 DQASO were drawn from 38 public primary schools to participate in the study through quarter, purposive and stratified simple random sampling techniques. Data was analyzed using qualitative descriptive statistical technique, specifically frequencies and percentages. A bar graph, pie charts, and tables were used to present data. The study revealed that, inadequate and late disbursement of funds, SIMSC's lack of knowledge and skills in the procurement process, and unprocedural procurement practices adopted by schools compromised the implementation of the procurement process. Finally, the study also established that, the level of compliance to the procurement process is still low and majority of schools still flawed procurement rules. The study recommends that, proper monitoring and evaluation strategies on procurement be put in place, review assignment of duty for SIMSC, increase tenure of office for parents' representatives and lastly, increase budgetary allocations for realistic market prices. The findings from the study will help education stake holders and policy makers to come up with better strategies that will promote compliance to the procurement process in place. Based on the findings of this study, it is suggested that, further research be carried out to establish implications caused by budgetary allocations based on enrolment and assessment of the level of compliance on the general purpose procurements.