Effect of Leadership Independence on Perceived Levels of Corruption in the Procurement Department in the Judiciary of Kenya

Abstract

Corruption is a major obstacle to the development of any nation because it distorts markets, encourages crime, discourages investment, creates inequality, and destroys values. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of leadership independence on perceived levels of corruption in procurement departments in the judiciary of Kenya. It utilized the concurrent triangulation design and targeted the population of 278 heads of procurement committees in 278 court stations of the Kenyan judiciary and key informants from six oversight organizations. From this population, a sample of 164 heads of procurement committees was selected using the stratified proportionate random sampling technique, while 12 key informants were selected purposefully. Quantitative data was collected from the heads of procurement committees using questionnaires, while qualitative data was collected by interviewing 12 key informants. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics as well as cross-tabulation with the chi-square method. Qualitative data was analyzed using thematic content analysis and presented using illustrative quotes. The study found leadership independence has a statistically significant and negative effect on levels of corruption in the procurement departments in the Kenyan judiciary (chi-square (X2) = 63.384, df = 2, sig. =.000). Based on the findings, the study concludes that leadership independence reduces levels of corruption in government procurement. It recommends the formulation of laws, policies, and strategies aimed at improving the independence of leaders in government procurement departments.