Procurement And Development Of Local Government Authorities. Case Study: Garisa Municipal Council

ABSTRACT

This research study set out to investigate the factors affecting the effectiveness of

public procurement practice in Garisa Municipal Council. These factors affect overall

performance of the council in discharching its social responsibilities to the society

which is the main financier of the council.

The general objective of the study was to study the factors affecting procurement

practice that has led to loss of money and ineffiency in public institution given their

important purpose of service provision to .the society, the study intends to propose

measures for ir.1provement leading to procurement efficiency.

The research design used was a case study technique to obtain data from the GMC

staff and suppliers, the study utilized questionnaires, interview and observation to

obtain the findings. Stratified sampling was utilized to classify the population of the

study.

The target population was GMC staff and suppliers of the council. From a total of

126 GMC employees 63 were sampled -30 from procurement, 8 from treasurers'

office, 4 from finance, 13 from stores and 8 from user department. 40 suppliers

were sampled from a total population of 80 suppliers - 15 from past suppliers, 20

from current suppliers and 5 from potential suppliers', stratified sampling was

utilized.

Descriptive statistics was used to analyze data and present it inform of tables, pie

charts and bar graphs, the aim of data analysis was to obtain findings and draw

recommendations from these findings. Validity and reliability was conducted to

remove ambiguity and achieve high degree of precisions.

Findings showed that though the government has in the recent past enacted

measures to improve public procurerr.ent practice. Procurement vices continue in

public institutions, corruption, unqualified staff, and lack of information, poor

supplier selection lot of paper work, poor record keeping and lack of computer use

contribute to ineffectiveness.

From the study the recommendations are to use higher qualified personel, putting

responsible people to tender boards computerizing the procurement function, strict

adherence to procedures and duties .proper selection of suppliers, long term

planning and ensuring environmental concerns in the procurement function. This will bring efficiency and effectiveness.