Factors Affecting Supplier Integration in Selected County Governments in Lake Nyanza Region
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47941/ijscl.2917Keywords:
County Governments, Environmental Uncertainty, Organizational Structure, Supplier Integration, Technological ResourcesAbstract
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors influencing supplier integration in selected County Governments within the Lake Nyanza Region of Kenya. The study was guided by four specific objectives: to examine the influence of environmental uncertainty, availability of technological resources, supply chain relationships, and organizational structure on supplier integration.
Methodology: A descriptive research design was adopted, targeting 106 procurement and supply chain staff across selected counties, with a 92% response rate. Data was collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics, including correlation and multiple regression analysis.
Findings: The findings revealed that all four variables had a positive and statistically significant influence on supplier integration. Organizational structure and technological resources emerged as the most influential factors, followed by environmental uncertainty and supply chain relationships. The study concluded that successful supplier integration requires a multi-dimensional approach involving structural alignment, technological investment, environmental adaptability, and strong relational networks.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Policy and Practice: The study recommends that county governments strengthen internal organizational frameworks, enhance technological infrastructure, and establish long-term collaborative relationships with suppliers. In addition, counties should adopt strategic mechanisms to manage environmental uncertainties that hinder procurement efficiency. Further research is suggested to explore the role of political governance, supplier perspectives, and longitudinal integration outcomes.
Downloads
References
Akanbi, O., & James, B. (2020). The role of digital procurement tools in enhancing supplier integration in state government procurement entities. Journal of Public Procurement, 15(3), 233-249.
Aldrich, H. E., & Pfeffer, J. (1976). Environments of organizations and the cost of resource dependence. Administrative Science Quarterly, 21(2), 224-249.
Bishop, R. (2009). Achieving supply chain integration: The role of efficiency and effectiveness. Supply Chain Management Review, 13(2), 36-42.
Boyd, B. K. (1990). Corporate linkages and organizational environment: A test of the resource dependence model. Strategic Management Journal, 11(6), 419-430.
Chege, M., & Wekesa, J. (2023). The influence of environmental uncertainty on supply chain agility in county governments in Kenya. International Journal of Public Administration, 46(5), 435-447.
Chen, J., Li, X., & Zhang, Z. (2022). Organizational structure and supply chain integration in public sector organizations. International Journal of Operations & Production Management, 42(7), 879-898.
Doolen, T. L., & Chase, R. B. (2006). The impact of human resource management practices on manufacturing performance. Journal of Operations Management, 24(6), 746-762.
Enz, C. A., & Lambert, D. M. (2012). Co-creating value in supply chain relationships: Strategic implications for suppliers. Journal of Business & Industrial Marketing, 27(7), 507-520.
Fabbe-Costes, N., & Jahre, M. (2008). Supply chain integration and performance: The moderating effects of organizational culture. Journal of Business Logistics, 29(1), 41-58.
Fawcett, S. E., Magnan, G. M., & McCarter, M. W. (2007). Benefits, barriers, and bridges to effective supply chain management. Supply Chain Management Review, 18(6), 49-58.
Handfield, R. B., & Nichols, E. L. (2013). Introduction to supply chain management (4th ed.). Pearson Education.
Hudnurkar, M., Jakhar, S., & Rathod, R. (2014). A literature review on supply chain integration. International Journal of Advanced Research in Engineering and Technology, 5(7), 10-17.
Jones, T. M., & Wicks, A. C. (1999). Convergent stakeholder theory. Academy of Management Review, 24(2), 206-221.
Kanda, A., & Iravo, M. (2015). Factors affecting the integration of supply chain management in Kenyan public health facilities. Journal of Supply Chain Management, 16(3), 230-245.
Kariuki, M., & Gachoka, G. (2021). The role of supply chain relationships in improving service delivery in county governments. Journal of Public Procurement and Supply Chain, 14(4), 314-329.
Kariuki, M., & Njuguna, A. (2021). Impact of organizational structure on supply chain integration in county governments. International Journal of Procurement and Logistics, 8(1), 59-74.
Leuschner, R., Charvet, F, and Rogers, D.S (2013), “A Meta- Analysis of Logistics Customer Service,”Journal of Supply Chain Management, Vol. 49 No.1, pp. 47- 63
Mabasa, T., & Makhado, C. (2021). Technological adoption and supplier integration in manufacturing firms. International Journal of Manufacturing Technology and Management, 32(5), 455-469.
Maina, D., & Kibwage, J. (2021). Supply chain relationships and their impact on supplier integration in Kenya. International Journal of Logistics and Supply Chain Management, 19(2), 125-141.
Mugenda, O. M., & Mugenda, A. G. (2003). Research methods: Quantitative and qualitative approaches. Acts Press.
Munyua, P., & Ngugi, P. (2020). Environmental factors affecting supply chain integration in East African public institutions. Journal of Supply Chain Management, 21(3), 118-134.
Muturi, M., & Wanjohi, S. (2022). The influence of organizational structure on supply chain integration in Kenyan county governments. Journal of Public Procurement and Administration, 7(1), 14-29.
Nkosi, M., Ndlovu, T., & Sibanda, T. (2020). Supplier-buyer relationships and supplier integration in public procurement. African Journal of Supply Chain Management, 8(4), 27-42.
Ochieng, G., & Otieno, M. (2023). Impact of organizational structure on supplier integration in Kenyan county governments. Journal of Public Procurement, 19(1), 50-66.
Omondi, R., & Wanyoike, F. (2021). Transaction cost economics and supplier integration in public procurement. International Journal of Procurement, 13(2), 102-115.
Otieno, F., & Mwangangi, M. (2021). Technology adoption in public sector procurement: A case of Kenyan counties. International Journal of Government and Public Administration, 22(5), 234-246.
Pfeffer, J., & Salancik, G. R. (1978). The external control of organizations: A resource dependence perspective. Harper & Row.
Singh, R., & Power, D. J. (2009). The impact of supply chain integration on firm performance: A literature review. International Journal of Operations & Production Management, 29(8), 808-829.
Wang, G. & Miller, S. (2005). Intelligent aggregation of purchase orders in supplier integration, Journal of Operations and Production Management, 27-36.
Wekesa, M., & Njeru, J. (2021). Influence of organizational factors on supplier integration in public procurement systems. Public Procurement Research Journal, 7(3), 45-59.
Williamson, O. E. (1975). Markets and hierarchies: Analysis and antitrust implications. Free Press.
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Elizabeth Kwamboka Obegi, Dr. Dennis Juma (PhD)

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (CC-BY) 4.0 License that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgment of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal.