Transport Outsourcing of Medical Waste Disposal as a Performance Enhancer: A Case Study of Private Healthcare Facilities in Nyeri County, Kenya

Authors

  • Mercy Ochieng St. Paul’s University
  • Dr. Mary Kibuine St. Paul’s University
  • Dr. Ezekiel Akwalu St. Paul’s University

Abstract

The performance of private healthcare facilities is increasingly strained due to inefficiencies in medical waste management. Many healthcare institutions face challenges with high operating expenses, regulatory non-compliance, and insufficient technological skills, even if outsourcing is a feasible method to increase efficiency. This study sought to determine the influence of transport outsourcing in medical waste disposal on performance of private healthcare facilities in Nyeri County, Kenya. The study was grounded on the resource-based view theory and used an explanatory research design to examine the influence of transport outsourcing in medical waste disposal on the performance of private healthcare facilities in Nyeri County. The target population was 280 respondents, comprising 140 hospital administrators and 140 procurement officers from 140 private healthcare facilities. A census approach was adopted to include all respondents. Data was collected using structured questionnaires with a five-point Likert scale, ensuring consistency and alignment with study objectives. A pilot study with 28 respondents was conducted in Kerugoya, Kirinyaga County. Reliability of the questionnaire was confirmed using Cronbach’s alpha with a threshold of 0.7. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics with SPSS version 24, and findings were presented in tables. Findings showed that transport outsourcing (r = 0.763, p = 0.000) has a positive and significant relationship with performance of private healthcare facilities in Nyeri county, Kenya. The study found that clearly defined schedules by service providers were noted to improve the efficiency in operations, though there are gaps in the availability of 24/7 services. The study recommends that healthcare facilities in Nyeri County strengthen transport outsourcing through clear contractual clauses on timelines, compliance, and penalties for delays, while maintaining minimal backup capacity for emergencies. It further recommends that the Ministry of Health set minimum performance standards and establish a monitoring and accreditation framework to ensure only reliable providers are contracted.

Keywords: Transport outsourcing, medical waste disposal, Manufacturing SMEs, Performance, private healthcare facilities, Nyeri County, Kenya.

Author Biographies

  • Mercy Ochieng, St. Paul’s University

    MBA Scholar, Department of Business Administration, School of Business and Leadership Studies, St. Paul’s University

  • Dr. Mary Kibuine , St. Paul’s University

    Lecturer, Department of Business Administration, School of Business and Leadership Studies, St. Paul’s University

  • Dr. Ezekiel Akwalu, St. Paul’s University

    Lecturer, Department of Business Administration, School of Business and Leadership Studies, St. Paul’s University

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Published

2025-10-17

Issue

Vol. 2 No. 10 (2025)

Section

Articles

How to Cite

Ochieng, M. ., Kibuine , M. ., & Akwalu, E. . (2025). Transport Outsourcing of Medical Waste Disposal as a Performance Enhancer: A Case Study of Private Healthcare Facilities in Nyeri County, Kenya. JBMI Insight, 2(10), 19-30. https://jbmipublisher.org/system/index.php/home/article/view/106