Abstract:
The study focused on assessing challenges facing public institutions in the procurement planning
process. The objectives of the study were to examine the roles under taken by different stakeholders
during procurement planning in Mpwapwa District Council, explore the challenges in procurement
planning process and find out level of awareness of staffs on annual procurement plan. Data was
collected using questionnaires, interview and documentary review. The study used purposive and
convenience sampling strategies to draw representative samples and 32 respondents were involved
in the study. Roles under taken by stakeholders during procurement planning process includes; plan
the procurement and disposal by tender activities of the procuring entity, implement procurement
plan, consolidates procurement work plan for the entity, updates the procurement plan. Challenges
include corruption, inadequate training, lack of enough consultation, inadequate skills by user
departments to accurately state their requirements as well as limited skilled personnel and finally
majority of the respondents show that they are aware of the procurement planning process. The study
recommended that user departments should determine their annual requirements and submit to
procurement management unit (PMU) on time, PMU should be provided with sufficient manpower
to prepare and implement the annual procurement plan effectively. In addition, enough funds should
be provided to carry out procurement planning process.
