Determinants of implementation of public procurement regulations in Kenya’s secondary schools

Abstract

T he enactment of Public Procurement and Disposal Act and the public procurement and Disposal Regulations in both developed and developing countries are among the 20 th century institutional reform s that have been castigated by the demand for transparency and accountability in the management of public institutions. Such legislative requirements ought to be implemented in public secondary schools due to the fact they are public entities. This study sought to establish the determinants of implementation of public procurement regulations by head teachers in public secondary schools in Migwani District, Kenya. The study was conducted in 27 secondary schools. The study employed descriptive survey design and used questionnaires for 27 head teachers, 27 deputy head teachers, 27 accounts clerks, members of procurement committees and District Schools Auditors. Simple random sampling procedure was used to select the procurement committee members. Data was presented by use of frequency tables and percentages. The study established that there are key determinants that need to be put in place for effective implementation of the procurement rules and regulations. These includes ; the establishment of public procurement structures, exposure of the head teacher to management training, induction o f members charged with procurement roles on procurement regulations , financial standing of the school and possible intervention in the implementation of public procurement regulations. The findings also indicated low level of compliance in the implementation of public procurement regulations.