Supply Chain Management Practices, Innovation and Sustainability Performance Among Manufacturing Firms in North Rift Region

Abstract

This study examined the moderating role of innovation in the relationship between supply chain management practices and sustainability performance among manufacturing firms in the North Rift Region of Kenya. The study focused on lean, resilient and green supply chain management practices. An explanatory cross-sectional research design was adopted. The target population comprised 500 senior, middle and lower-level managers from manufacturing firms operating in the region. A sample of 222 respondents was selected through stratified random sampling, and 207 completed questionnaires were returned, representing a response rate of 93.2%. Primary data were collected using structured questionnaires based on a five-point Likert scale. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, reliability and validity tests, correlation analysis, multiple regression and hierarchical moderation analysis. The findings showed that firm sustainability performance had a mean score of 3.9855, while lean, resilient and green supply chain management practices and innovation had mean scores of 4.0491, 3.7005, 3.8068 and 3.4839, respectively. Reliability coefficients ranged from 0.751 to 0.898, indicating acceptable internal consistency. Regression results showed that lean, resilient and green supply chain management practices had positive and significant effects on sustainability performance. Innovation also had a positive and significant direct effect and strengthened each practice-performance relationship. The final model explained 90.8% of the variance in sustainability performance. The study concludes that manufacturing firms may achieve stronger sustainability outcomes when supply chain practices are supported by innovation capabilities.