Evaluating value for money in procurement among government ministries in Kenya
Date
2013-03
Authors
Mochache, Geoffrey Ochako
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Strathmore University
Abstract
This study aimed at evaluating value for money in procurement among government ministries
in Kenya where there is a controlled procurement process by an Act of parliament. In the study,
both qualitative and quantitative methods were used to answer the research objectives using data
collected from the 42 ministries. It was established that, in regard to legal framework in public
financial management, there is an average compliance to the procurement law. It was noted that
the market price index tool (market price list) is not commonly used as required by the Public
procurement oversight authority (PPOA). Competition through open tendering is not embraced
hence alternative procurement methods which are exposed to abuse are commonly used.
However, the oversight authority remains steadfast in carrying its mandate as required by the
procurement Act as well as the institutional committees and structures within the ministries is
adhered to by officers who are held responsible for procurement processes. The study establishes
the extent to which value for money in public procurement has been achieved since
implementation of the Procurement Law and also provides knowledge in public procurement so
that scholars may appreciate how regulated systems mayor may not provide value for money in
procurement process. For justification of public financial management, the study recommends
for strengthening the legal framework especially in provision of better policy on maximum
prices that ministries and other public entities should pay for goods, works and services in order
to achieve the objectives of the procurement Act.
Description
Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Commerce
Keywords
Procurement, Government ministries, Kenya