RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CONTRACT MANAGEMENT AND COMPLIANCE WITH ACCESS TO GOVERNMENT PROCUREMENT OPPORTUNITIES (AGPO) REGULATIONS FOR SPECIAL GROUPS BY PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES IN KENYA.

Abstract

Public procurement has become an issue of public attention and debate. It has been subjected to reforms, estructuring, rules and regulations. Despite statutory provisions and internal controls, public sector institutions have not fully complied with AGPO regulations for special groups due extent of contract management. Little is known on determinants of compliance with AGPO regulations. The objective of the study was to examine relationship between
contract management and compliance with AGPO regulations for special groups by Public Universities in Kenya. This study used a mixed research design as it allowed the researcher to use both quantitative and qualitative research methods. The target population consisted of 106 supply chain officers in all public universities in Kenya. The sample
size for this study was 62 respondents from all the public universities. Data was collected using two instruments; a
semi-structured questionnaire and an interview guide. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Quantitative data analysis results were presented in tables and charts. Qualitative data was analyzed using content analysis. The results revealed that there exist correlation between contract management and compliance with AGPO regulations a Pearson correlation. The study findings revealed that contract management contributed positively to level of compliance with AGPO regulations. This contribution was statistically significant. This study also concluded that the contracting management has significant impact on level of compliance with AGPO regulations for special groups. The study recommends that government agencies should strengthen contract management to ensure they have complied with AGPO regulations.