Supplier Selection and Procurement Performance of Public Universities in Upper Eastern Region, Kenya

Purpose: The study sought to determine the effect of preliminary evaluation on procurement performance in public universities in upper eastern region, Kenya. The Internal Control Theory informed the theoretical foundation of the study. Methodology: This study employed a quantitative research design to investigate the effect of preliminary evaluation on procurement performance in public universities situated in the Upper Eastern Region of Kenya. The target population of this study was 220 professionals in all public universities in the upper eastern region, Kenya and the respondents of this study were Stores and Procurement Officers, Finance and Accounting officers and user departments. The researcher further used Slovin’s formula to derive a sample size of 142 respondents. Consequently, proportionate stratified sampling was used to determine the sample size from each stratum. The study used questionnaire as a tool of data collection. To determine the validity and reliability of the study instruments, a pilot study which comprised 10% of the study sample population was conducted in Embu University. Descriptive and inferential statistics were conducted to analyze the data and presentation done in form of charts and tables. Findings: The study found that supplier evaluation significantly influences procurement performance in public universities. Preliminary evaluation showed a strong positive correlation (r = 0.716, p < 0.05), technical evaluation had a moderate correlation (r = 0.437, p < 0.05), while financial evaluation exhibited a weak but significant correlation (r = 0.249, p < 0.05). These results confirm that regulatory compliance, technical expertise, and financial capacity collectively enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve stakeholder satisfaction in procurement. Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The study enriches procurement and supply chain management literature by empirically validating the Internal Control Theory and related procurement frameworks, demonstrating that preliminary evaluation is not merely a procedural step but a strategic determinant of procurement performance. It advances theoretical understanding by showing how early-stage controls mitigate risks, enhance accountability, and strengthen the link between supplier selection and procurement outcomes.