Abstract:
The procurement function plays a vital role in the performance of the public sectors not only in Tanzania
but also all over the world. Public procurement helps public sectors to achieve their intended objectives
whenever procurement planning is well planned and effectively implemented accordingly.
The general objective of this study was to Assess the Factors affecting the Effective Implementation of
a procurement plan in the public sector in Tanzania; a case of the Tanzania Revenue Authority. This study
specifically focused on four specific objectives namely identifying how the involvement of the user
department, resources allocation, management support, and staff competence influence effective
implementation of the procurement plan. The study employed a descriptive research design, with a sample of
40 respondents from a target population of 106 people from Tanzania Revenue Authority Arusha
Region. Both Quantitative and qualitative research approaches were employed. Data were collected
through interviews, observations, documentary reviews, and questionnaires, and then data were
analyzed using Statistical Package of Social Science (SPSS) version 20.0 computer software. The
study findings revealed that in Tanzania Revenue Authority procurement plan is affected by user
departments who are not properly involved in both budgeting processes and implementation of
the procurement plan. It has further revealed that staff from user departments have little knowledge on
PPA No.7 of 2011 and amendment 2016 and it's Regulation due to lack of exposure on training and
hence fail to understand their role as required by law in implementing procurement plan. The findings
also revealed that the implementation of the procurement plan in TRA was affected by resource allocation
through budgeting, management support, and competence of PMU staff. Basing on the findings, the
researcher concluded that the factors affecting implementation of procurement plan in Tanzania
Revenue Authority are poor involvement of user department, staff competence on preparation and
implementation of procurement plan, resources allocation and management support. The researcher
recommended that management should ensure staff from the user department are trained on PPA No.7 of
2011 amendment 2016 and its regulation to impart them with knowledge on their roles and
responsibilities in procurement processes. The management should allocate required resources
effectively to ensure timely implementation of the planned activities.
