Moderating effect of environmental uncertainties on the relationship between lean supply chain strategy and performance of manufacturing firms in Kenya

The purpose of the study was to determine the moderating effect of environmental uncertainties on the relationship between lean supply chain strategy and the performance of manufacturing firms in Kenya. The study utilized a descriptive research design. The target population was 829 supply chain managers or directors from manufacturing firms around the country. A sample of 270 supply chain or procurement managers was selected using stratified random sampling. Results indicated that lean supply chain strategy explained 60.7% of the total variations in the performance of manufacturing firms. In addition, lean supply chain strategy had a positive and significant effect on the performance of manufacturing firms. With the introduction of moderating variables (environmental uncertainties); lean supply chain strategy explained 33% of the total variations in the performance of manufacturing firms. This denoted those environmental uncertainties had a negative moderating effect on the relationship between lean supply chain strategy and performance of manufacturing firms in Kenya. The study concluded that lean supply chain strategy had a positive and statistically significant effect on the performance of manufacturing firms in Kenya.