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

Abstract

The study sought to establish the influence of lean production 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 approaches to ensure validity were content validity and construct validity. Data reliability was measured using Cronbach’s alpha. 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 production on performance of large manufacturing firms. The study recommends the need by manufacturing firms in Kenya 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 production, Performance of Large Manufacturing Firms, Kenya