Public Procurement Tendering Process and Performance of Public Private Partnerships Nairobi City County, Kenya

Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) have emerged as a vital mechanism for delivering public infrastructure and services, particularly in developing countries like Kenya facing fiscal constraints. Despite the implementation of structured Public-Private Partnerships frameworks under the Public Private Partnerships Act (2013), the effectiveness of the tendering process remains a critical concern. This study assessed the effect of the public procurement tendering process on the performance of Public-Private Partnerships in Nairobi City County, Kenya. Specifically, it examined five core components of the tendering process: identification of need, advertisement, evaluation, award, and payment. The research adopted a descriptive research design and targeted procurement officers and stakeholders involved in Public-Private Partnerships projects. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS version 26, applying descriptive and inferential statistics including regression analysis. Findings revealed that tender evaluation and tender payment significantly influence the performance of PPP projects. Transparent evaluation processes and timely payments were found to enhance contractor motivation, improve project delivery timelines, and ensure quality outcomes. Conversely, identification of need and tender award showed no statistically significant impact, suggesting that although foundational, these stages may have indirect or delayed effects on performance. Tender advertisement, while contributing to competitive bidding, requires improvements in clarity and timeliness to fully support successful procurement outcomes. The study concludes that to improve Public-Private Partnerships project performance, Nairobi City County must focus on enhancing the capacity and transparency of evaluation teams and streamline payment processes. It recommends institutionalizing participatory needs assessments, enforcing clear and timely advertisements, and automating payment systems to ensure accountability and contractor satisfaction. Strengthening these elements within the procurement cycle can enhance the sustainability, cost-efficiency, and overall success of Public-Private Partnerships projects. The findings provide practical implications for policymakers, procurement officers, and stakeholders aiming to enhance public service delivery through Public-Private Partnerships.