SUPPLY CHAIN VISIBILITY AND PERFORMANCE OF MANUFACTURING FIRMS IN NAIROBI CITY COUNTY, KENYA

David Mbugua Mwaura, Dr. Ismail Shale Noor

Abstract


Supply chain visibility plays a critical role in enhancing the efficiency and performance of manufacturing firms by enabling real-time tracking, seamless ICT integration. However, despite its importance, many manufacturing firms in Nairobi City County, Kenya, continue to face challenges in achieving full supply chain visibility, leading to inefficiencies, delays, and increased operational costs. This study sought to examine the influence of real-time tracking, ICT integration, on the performance of manufacturing firms in Nairobi City County, Kenya. The study was guided by Systems Theory and Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). The study employed a descriptive research design and targets 119 manufacturing firms with a total population of 714 managerial employees. Using Yamane’s (1967) formula, a sample size of 256 respondents was selected through simple random sampling. Primary data was collected through structured questionnaires containing closed-ended questions measured on a 5-point Likert scale. A pilot study was conducted with 14 respondents (10% of the sample size) to test the reliability of the questionnaire using Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics (frequency distributions, mean, standard deviation) and inferential statistics, including Pearson correlation and multiple regression analysis, to determine the relationships between variables. The study investigated the influence of supply chain visibility—operationalized through real-time tracking, ICT integration—on the performance of manufacturing firms in Nairobi City County, Kenya. Using a structured questionnaire and quantitative analysis of responses from 234 managers across various manufacturing sectors, the study found that all four visibility dimensions had a statistically significant and positive impact on firm performance. ICT integration and real-time tracking emerged as the most influential factors, enhancing operational efficiency, coordination, and decision-making. It recommends that firms invest in scalable real-time tracking technologies, adopt integrated ICT platforms through AI and real-time analytics to fully realize the benefits of visibility-driven performance.

Key Words: Supply chain visibility, Performance, Real-Time Tracking, ICT Integration, Manufacturing Firms 


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References


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