Influence of Lean Warehousing Practices on Performance of Large Manufacturing Firms in Kenya

Abstract

The study sought to establish the influence of lean warehousing practices on performance of large manufacturing firms in Kenya. The unit of analysis consisted of 138 large manufacturing firms registered with the Kenya association of manufacturing under the category of large scale manufacturing firms; the unit of observation consisted of the Heads of Supply chain, Production and Logistics. Data was collected using questionnaires. The data collected was analyzed by use of descriptive and inferential statistics aided by Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22. Bivariate regression model was used to show the relationship between the variables. The study findings indicated a positive significant influence of lean warehousing on performance of large manufacturing firms. The study recommends the need by manufacturing firms in Kenya to practice lean ware housing practices such as  implementing optimal storage, automated picking system and adopting integrated order receiving to a very great extent so improve their performance more.  There is a need for the firms to enhance adoption of the lean production practices such as having a continuous improvement programs in terms of production, automation and use of just in time concept to a great extent so as to improve performance significantly.

Key Words: Lean warehousing, Performance of large manufacturing firms, Kenya