Effect of Logistics Management Practices on Lead Time in the Public Healthcare Sector in Kenya: A Case of Kenya Medical Supplies Authority

Abstract

The healthcare system in Kenya faces a number of challenges that makes it difficult for its supply chain to operate efficiently and effectively. The inability to access essential medicines is a key barrier to commodity security which is a right of every person to obtain and use health commodities when and where they need them. The need to have better logistic management practices which plays a very important role in ensuring that drugs and medical equipment are sourced and delivered within reasonable time in order to serve their purpose is often overlooked. The study sought to find out on the effects of logistics management practices on lead time in the public healthcare sector in Kenya. The study specifically looked at the inventory management practices, transport management practices, warehousing practices and transportation management practices. A descriptive research design was used. The target population of the study included 451 staff from all positions in the procurement, warehousing as well as transport and logistics department. A multiple regression model was used. The findings of correlation and regression analysis showed that there was a negative and significant association between warehousing management practices, inventory management practices, order management practices, transportation management practices and lead time in the public health sector in Kenya. The study recommends that the organization should outsource transport services during urgency. The study further recommends that the public health sector should establish effective order processing practices. The study also recommends the organization to automate inventory management. There is also need for a functioning warehouse planning system and functioning packaging system in the organization.

Keywords: Warehousing Practices, Inventory Management Practices, Order Management Practices, Transportation Management Practices, Lead time