Authors: EMILY WAMOTO

Abstract

Vulnerable groups lack access to resources useful for their survival. In worse situations they are subjected to prejudice or bias. As members of a vulnerable group, women, the youth and persons with disabilities feel excluded from government procurement opportunities. The aim of the study was to evaluate the factors affecting uptake of government procurement opportunities for vulnerable groups in Kenyan County Governments. The specific objectives of the study were to examine how information availability affects uptake of government procurement opportunities, assess the effect of availability of funds on uptake of government procurement opportunities and to ascertain the effect of tendering process on uptake of government procurement opportunities by vulnerable groups in Laikipia County. The study relied on primary data collected by use of questionnaires which were administered to a sample of 46 respondents that included procurement officers in the procurement department and officials from each of 13 listed vulnerable groups in Laikipia County. Quantitative techniques were used to analyze data. Descriptive statistics used included mean, frequency and percentages. This was done with the help of Statistical Package for Social Sciences. The results were presented in tables and graphs for ease comprehension followed by interpretation and discussion of findings. The study concluded that improved information techniques mostly through the internet for buying goods and services using modern quality standards and business practices in the government can help improve the efficiency of special group’s suppliers as they compete for government contracts with big players. The study recommends that accountability should be there to ensure government is held responsible for its decisions and actions.

Keywords:

Tendering, Vulnerable group, Youth, Target group, Reservation, Uptake of Government Procurement Opportunities, Vulnerable Groups, County Governments, Kenya, Laikipia County

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