The Role of Early Supplier Involvement on Performance of Agricultural Projects of Tana and Athi River Development Authority, Kenya

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Published Jul 21, 2025
https://doi.org/10.71064/spu.amjr.10.1.2025.394
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Vol. 10 No. 1 (2025): African Multidisciplinary Journal of Research

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David Koech
St. Paul's University
Jack Gumboh
St. Paul's University
Mary Karei Kibuine
St. Paul's University

Abstract

Early supplier involvement is a strategy adopted by buyers in order to forge close relationships for purpose of surviving stiff competition emanating from heighted pressure of globalization, technological advancement and social changes that gradually diminish firm’s market share. This phenomenon motivated the study that was conducted at Tana and Athi River Development Authority (TARDA)which is associated with production of hydroelectric power as well as water resource management along the seven forks dam and Athi basin but also involve itself in additional income generating activities. These activities are not among their core business and therefor require early supplier involvement is because of complex ecosystem. Among TARDA stakeholders are their suppliers who have a key role in the entire supply chains of farming activities and early supplier involvement (ESI) is critical in delivering the objective of the authority. This motivated the study which investigated on the relationship between early supplier involvement and performance of agricultural projects of TARDA. The study was guided by the following general objectives; to determine the relationship between early supplier selection and performance. Descriptive and cross-sectional research designs were applied in determining the relationship between independent and dependent variables. The target population was 90 employees of the authority constituting the senior management, departmental managers, supervisors and store clerks. The data collection instrument was structured questionnaire and data analysis consisting of descriptive analysis such as percentages, means, standard deviation and frequencies. To predict the relationship of independent and dependent variables, a regression model was used in order to determine the extent to which early supplier involvement explains the performance of TARDA. The results found that supplier selection and supplier relationship management enhance the business stability of agricultural projects of TARDA. Predictive analysis showed that supplier relationship management had a significant positive relationship on performance. The study suggested enhancement of supplier selection and supplier relationship management strategies in TARDA so as  improve on performance of agricultural projects. The study recommends future studies using otherl research design to establish early supplier involvement on performance of agricultural projects of TARDA.

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How to Cite
Koech , D., Gumboh , J., & Kibuine, M. K. . (2025). The Role of Early Supplier Involvement on Performance of Agricultural Projects of Tana and Athi River Development Authority, Kenya. African Multidisciplinary Journal of Research, 10(1), 197–221. https://doi.org/10.71064/spu.amjr.10.1.2025.394

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