Lean Supply Chain Management Practices and Procurement Performance of Leading Supermarkets in Nairobi, Kenya

Lean supply chain management has become one of the key practices adopted by many business organizations. With the procurement function being critical in determining the performance of any business, this study set to establish the impact of lean supply chain management practices on the procurement performance with a focus on the leading supermarkets in Nairobi. The focus on the leading supermarket was as a result of the significance of the supply chain management in the supermarket business. The study utilized a descriptive research design approach. 46 supermarkets with atleast five branches were targeted, whereby one branch of each supermarket was included in the study. Questionnaires were utilized for data collection whereby the researcher adopted drop and pick method. The study had a response rate of 70%. From the study findings, it was established that a majority of the leading supermarkets in Nairobi utilized different lean supply chain management practices. The use of different lean supply chain management practices by different supermarkets was found to be beneficial. Furthermore, it was established that lean supply chain management practices impacted on the procurement performance of leading supermarkets in Nairobi. The practice resulted in the risk minimization in the procurement of products ensures that low amount of products end up damaged and enhanced efficiency and effectiveness with which customer product delivery improved and lowered the general costs of the procurement of goods.