PREFERENCE AND RESERVATIONS SCHEME MANAGEMENT AND PERFORMANCE OF LEVEL 6 HOSPITALS IN KENYA

Abstract

The Preference and Reservation Procurement policy, which was implemented in Kenya in 2013, requires that at least thirty percent (30%) of all Public Procurement budgets including in health facilities be reserved for the women, youth and people with disabilities. However, the management of Preference and reservation scheme in level 6 Hospitals poses a significant challenge to achieving optimal performance and equitable healthcare access. While these schemes are intended to improve the representation of the disadvantaged or unrepresented groups in the health sector, their effectiveness and impact on Hospital performance remain a matter of concern). Therefore, this study sought to examine the influence of preference and reservation scheme management on performance of level 6 hospitals in Kenya. The specific objectives of the study were to examine the influence of procurement planning management and sourcing management on performance of level 6 hospitals in Kenya. The study will adopt a descriptive research design. The target population was 105 heads of stores, procurement, finance, administration, quality assurance, audit department and planning departments and two deputies in the five level 6 health facilities in Kenya. The study utilized a census approach. The study made use of primary data, which was collected by use of semi-structured questionnaires. A pilot study will be conducted in Mama Lucy Level 5 Hospital with 10% of the sample size to assess the validity and reliability of the research instrument. Qualitative data from open ended questions were analyzed using thematic content analysis. Quantitative data was analyzed using both descriptive as well as inferential statistics with the help of statistical software known as Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 28). Descriptive statistics comprised of frequency distribution, percentages, standard deviation and mean. Inferential data analysis was carried out using Pearson correlation coefficient and multivariate linear regression. The study found that procurement planning management has a positive and significant influence on performance of level 6 hospitals in Kenya. The study revealed that sourcing management has a positive and significant influence on performance of level 6 hospitals in Kenya. The study recommends that the management of level 6 hospitals should regularly review and update procurement plans, processes, and specifications to maintain alignment with the hospital's needs and industry best practices. In addition, the management of these facilities should foster closer collaboration with key suppliers to exchange knowledge, co-develop innovative solutions, and secure advantageous long-term contracts.

Key Word: Preference and Reservation Scheme Management, Procurement Planning Management and Sourcing Management