Procurement practices and sustainable supply chain performance of healthcare Nongovernmental organizations in Kenya

Abstract

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) providing healthcare support in Kenya play a critical role in addressing health challenges within the country. Sustainable supply chain management is pivotal for ensuring the consistent and reliable availability of healthcare resources and understanding the specific dynamics within the procurement practices of NGOs is crucial for optimizing their impact. Enhancing the sustainable supply chain performance of these NGOs not only ensures the efficient delivery of healthcare services but also contributes to the broader goal of building resilient and effective healthcare systems in Kenya, thereby positively impacting public health outcomes. The main aim of this study was to assess the effect of procurement practices on sustainable supply chain performance of local NGOs providing healthcare support in Kenya. Specifically, it examined the influence of supplier selection, contract design, and supplier evaluation. Anchored on resource-based view and institutional theory, the study adopted a descriptive cross-sectional research design, targeting heads of procurement in 65 NGOs. Primary data were collected via structured questionnaires and analysed using SPSS. Diagnostic tests ensured the validity of regression assumptions. Results from multiple linear regression indicated that all three procurement practices had significant positive effects on sustainable supply chain performance, with supplier evaluation being the most influential. The study concluded that integrating comprehensive sustainability criteria into supplier selection, contract design, and supplier evaluation significantly improves sustainable supply chain performance. It is recommended that healthcare NGOs strengthen their procurement processes by embedding sustainability considerations into their policies and operations to promote long-term resilience and efficiency in healthcare delivery.