Supply Chain Digitalization and Service Delivery Among County Referral Hospitals in Nyanza Region, Kenya

Abstract

Purpose: The primary objective of the study was to determine the influence of supply chain digitalization on service delivery in county referral hospitals within the Nyanza region of Kenya.

Material/methods: The study was guided by the Technology Acceptance Model and Systems Theory. A descriptive survey research design was adopted. The target population included 94 supply chain officers, data clerks, and accountants across five county referral hospitals, with procurement and stores personnel serving as the units of observation. A census approach was employed, and data were collected using structured questionnaires. Reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha, while construct validity was verified through component factor analysis. Data were analyzed quantitatively using descriptive statistics (frequencies, means, standard deviations) and inferential statistics (Pearson correlation and multiple regression analysis).

Findings: The study found that digital tendering and digital tracking significantly enhance service delivery in county referral hospitals. These tools improve operational transparency, inventory visibility, and coordination between supply chain and clinical functions.

Conclusion: The study concludes that the adoption of digital tools such as electronic tendering systems and enterprise-level tracking technologies (e.g., barcoding and RFID) improve procurement efficiency, enables real-time inventory management, and supports timely and reliable patient care.

Value: This research provides empirical evidence on the benefits of supply chain digitalization in the healthcare sector. It offers actionable recommendations for county governments and hospital administrators to adopt and scale digital solutions to enhance healthcare service delivery and operational performance in public health facilities.