Effect of Procurement Contract Management Practices on the Performance of Public Projects in Rwanda: A Case Study of the Ministry in Charge of Emergency Management (MINEMA)

Christian Hakizimana and Desire Nimpano
University of Kigali
Email: hakizimanachristian44@gmail.com

Abstract: This study assessed the effect of procurement contract planning on the performance of public projects in Rwanda, focusing on the Ministry in Charge of Emergency Management (MINEMA). Specifically, it examined how procurement contract planning influences public project performance. The study adopted a quantitative approach and a descriptive correlational research design. The target population comprised 120 staff members from five MINEMA departments. A census approach was used, and 100 completed questionnaires were returned and analyzed using SPSS. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and simple linear regression were employed. The findings revealed that procurement contract planning positively contributes to public project performance. Respondents recognized the importance of clear contract objectives, dispute mitigation, resource availability, and project execution efficiency. Correlation analysis indicated a strong, positive, and statistically significant relationship between procurement contract planning and public project performance (r = 0.844, p < 0.001). Regression analysis showed that procurement contract planning explained 71.3% of the variation in project performance. The study concluded that effective procurement contract planning supports project implementation through clear objectives, improved resource allocation, risk anticipation, and stakeholder coordination. It recommends that MINEMA strengthen procurement planning by defining contract requirements, preparing realistic budgets and schedules, identifying potential risks, and involving relevant stakeholders to support improved public project performance.