Influence of Supply Chain Management Practices On Vaccines (Kepi) Availability in Public Health Facilities in Kisii County, Kenya

Abstract

Vaccines are crucial in preventing infectious diseases worldwide. The supply chain should ensure that the supply of vaccines is consistent at all times in order to have a good and functional healthcare system. Vaccines stock outs are a serious health concern to the general population as they contribute to low immunization rates. Many children miss vaccination, exposing them to a higher risk of vaccine preventable diseases and the potential for a disease outbreak. Frequent vaccines stock outs were experienced across the country in public health facilities, including Kisii County. These vaccines stock outs were linked to poor and ineffective supply chain management practices. This research therefore aimed at investigating the influence of supply chain management practices on vaccines availability in public health facilities in Kisii County. The specific objectives of the study were to determine the influence of planning, ordering practices, storage practices, and distribution on vaccines availability in public health facilities in Kisii County. A descriptive cross-sectional design was used to collect quantitative data. The target population was 131 healthcare workers who were involved in handling and administration of vaccines (nurses). A census approach was adopted, where all 131 public health facilities that provided immunization services in Kisii County were sampled, with one respondent per health facility. Purposive sampling was utilized to target vaccine handlers from all levels of the health facilities. Researcher-administered questionnaires and an observation checklist tool were used to collect data. Data was analyzed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 26.0 both descriptively using frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations where appropriate and inferentially, through regression and correlation analysis. Data was then presented in tables, graphs and charts. The study findings showed that all four independent variables; planning, ordering practices, storage practices and distribution positively influenced vaccines availability, with statistically significant p-values (Sig.) below 0.05. Storage practices exhibited the strongest standardized coefficient (β= 1.237), suggesting that it had the greatest impact on vaccines availability, followed by distribution (β = 0.412). Although planning and ordering practices showed relatively lower β values (0.168 and 0.054 respectively), their statistical significance (p = .001 and .000 respectively) confirmed that they still contributed meaningfully to vaccines availability. The findings imply that investments in planning and ordering practices are likely to yield practical benefits in vaccines availability. The findings also imply that strengthening storage infrastructure and better understanding of the distribution dynamics are key strategic priorities to maximize reliable vaccine supply. The study recommends that the County government should formalize a specific budget allocation for immunization programs, prioritize the upgrading and expansion of cold chain storage infrastructure and enforce a standardized vaccines ordering and distribution protocol across all public health facilities.