Reverse Logistics, Regulatory Environment and Supply Chain Efficiency in Kenyas Remanufacturing Sector: A Meta Analysis
Article Sidebar
Main Article Content
The paper undertakes a Meta-analysis on research done on the topic of reverse logistics and the effect it bears on the Kenyan remanufacturing sector, while considering the moderating effect of the regulatory environment as a result of limited adoption of the practice and studies undertaken on the area of interest. The study is pegged on the resource-based view that puts emphasis on the capabilities of the firms in reverse logistics and transport cost economics, which explains the challenges in governance of return networks. The paper reviews literature systematically through a meta-analysis methodology following the PRISMA guidelines, where articles are searched in prestigious academic databases. The research obtained 80 articles from SAGE, Science Direct, and Wiley between periods of 2020 and 2026. Duplicates and publications that were not based on reverse logistics, not empirically undertaken, and publications from predatory journals were eliminated, leaving 30 that were further subjected to the inclusion criteria, leaving 14 peer-reviewed articles whose empirical and theoretical findings were used to evaluate the effect of reverse logistics on the efficiency of Kenyans' remanufacturing supply chain. The study adopted the Hunter-Schmidt method to synthesize correlation coefficients from multiple studies. The findings of the study support the theoretical framework that links reverse logistics and supply chain efficiency in the remanufacturing sector on average (r=0.42) globally, in developed countries (r) =0.60, In Kenya, the r coefficient is below 0.42, showing a weak correlation, as infrastructure and the informal sector dominance, limits the adoption of reverse logistics from reaching its preferred potential. The moderation analysis determined that the regulatory environment, in terms of policy regulations and laws (average r of 0.51), moderates the relationship between reverse logistics and supply chain efficiency. The studies imply the existence of a need for the adoption of strategic regulations that target policy coherence, the incorporation of technology, and alignment of the stakeholders to enhance significant efficiency gains. The findings enrich and confirm the theoretical discourse on the manner in which the business environment interacts with the constructs of reverse logistics to drive efficiency in remanufacturing sector supply chains.
Downloads
References
Adesoga, T. O., Olaiya, O. P., Onuma, E. P., Ajayi, O. O., & Olagunju, O. D. (2024). Review of reverse logistics practices and their impact on supply chain sustainability. International journal of scientific research and advances, 12(2), 45-55.
Aming’a, M., Annan, J., & Marwanga, R. (2025). Manufacturers’ adoption of circularity science in supply chains and its perceived viability to promote sustainable performance: Qualitative-empirical evidence from Kenya. Sustainable Environment, 11(1), 2454751.
Andrejić, M., & Pajić, V. (2024). Strategies for effective logistics outsourcing: A case study in the Serbian market. J. Organ. Technol. Entrep, 2(1), 14-26.
Attari, M. Y. N., Ala, A., Ahmadi, M., & Jami, E. N. (2024). A highly effective optimization approach for managing reverse warehouse system capacity across diverse scenarios. Process Integration and Optimization for Sustainability, 8(2), 455-471.
Awino, D. (2025). Challenges and opportunities for green transitions adoption in Kenya's textile manufacturing industry. Frontiers in Sustainability, 6, 1527365.
Baglio, M., Colicchia, C., Creazza, A., & Dallari, F. (2025). The importance of warehouses in logistics outsourcing: benchmarking the perspectives of 3PL providers and shippers. Benchmarking: An International Journal, 32(1), 1-25.
Barzel, Y., & Allen, D. W. (2023). Economic analysis of property rights. Cambridge University Press.
Benmebarek, A., Hami, N., & Hashim, R. (2025). The Moderating Effect of Regulatory Pressure on the Relationship between Sustainable Supply Chain Practices and Performance: Evidence from Algerian Oil and Gas Companies. PaperASIA, 41(1b), 409-423.
Calignano, F., & Mercurio, V. (2023). An overview of the impact of additive manufacturing on supply chain, reshoring, and sustainability. Cleaner Logistics and Supply Chain, 7, 100103.
Chatzoudes, D., Kadłubek, M., & Maditinos, D. (2024). Green logistics practices: The antecedents and effects for supply chain management in the modern era. Equilibrium. Quarterly Journal of Economics and Economic Policy, 19(3), 991-1034.
Chekoubi, Z., Trabelsi, W., Sauer, N., & Majdouline, I. (2022). The integrated production-inventory-routing problem with reverse logistics and remanufacturing: a two-phase decomposition heuristic. Sustainability, 14(20), 13563.
Flemming, K., & Noyes, J. (2021). Qualitative evidence synthesis: where are we at?. International journal of qualitative methods, 20, 1609406921993276.
Forkan, M., Rizvi, M. M., & Chowdhury, M. A. M. (2022). Multiobjective reverse logistics model for inventory management with environmental impacts: An application in industry. Intelligent Systems with Applications, 14, 200078.
Ho, H. W. L., Haaker, T., & Yishake, M. (2025). Barriers and opportunities when transitioning from linear to circular business models: Evidence from the construction and manufacturing sectors in the Netherlands. Circular Economy and Sustainability, 5(3), 1865-1886.
Hosain, M. S., & Mustafi, M. A. A. (2025). Linking green supply chain management practices with perceived environmental performance: A mediated moderation model. Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, 32(2), 1879-1900.
Jain, K., Makholia, D., Mishra, R., Kumar, A., Kashyap, R. C., Bhagat, N., & Padiyar, S. V. S. (2023). Review on green inventory model and reverse logistic. Eur. Chem. Bull, 12(10), 4254-4267.
Jalapathy, P., & Unnissa, M. M. (2024). Extended warranty and retailing strategies in CLSC competition with (Re) manufacturing manufacturer. IEEE Access, 12, 119697-119732.
Kamanga, F. N. (2024). Reverse logistics practices and the performance of large manufacturing firms in Kenya (Doctoral dissertation, JKUAT-COHRED).
Khan, H., & Khan, K. I. A. (2026). Performance evaluation of reverse logistics maturity level and its influence on construction sustainability and C&D waste reduction: insights from Pakistan’s construction sector. Smart Construction and Sustainable Cities, 4(1), 2.
Khomaziuk, S., & Gerasymchuk, T. V. (2024). How effectively reduce transportation costs.
Kiraithe, M. N., Muthama, J. N., Kaingu, C., & Mathiu, P. M. (2024). Evaluation Of The Impact Of Anthropogenic Activities On Sustainable Use Of Medicinal Biodiversity In Realization Of Kenya’s Vision 2030 Agenda For Sustainable Development. European Journal of Sustainable Development Research, 8(3), 1-11.
Kumar, R. A., Vipin, B., & Sridharan, R. (2026). Sustainable reverse logistics network design: a case of waste electrical and electronic equipment management. International Transactions in Operational Research, 33(4), 2577-2604.
Le, T. N., Phan, Q. H., Nguyen, P. H., & Nguyen, L. A. T. (2025). Rethinking reverse logistics: Neutrosophic strategies for warehouse management challenges. Neutrosophic sets and systems, 81(1), 7.
Li, H., Tian, Y., Li, Z., Wu, C., & Liu, Y. (2023). Life-cycle economic and environmental impacts of municipal solid waste reverse logistics in residential areas. Waste Management, 164, 200-208.
Li, Y., Kannan, D., Jha, P. C., Garg, K., Darbari, J., & Agarwal, N. (2023). Design of a multi echelon product recovery embeded reverse logistics network for multi products and multi periods. Annals of Operations Research, 323(1), 131-152.
LUMWAJI, A. E. (2024). REVERSE LOGISTICS PRACTICES AND SUPPLY CHAIN PERFORMANCE OF MOTOR VEHICLE ASSEMBLERS IN KENYA (Doctoral dissertation).
Macedo, H., Tomaz, L., Guimarães, L., Cerqueira-Pinto, L., Sá, J. C., & Dinis-Carvalho, J. (2025). Development of a classification model for value-added and non-value-added operations in retail logistics: insights from a supermarket case study. Sustainability, 17(7), 3177.
Mailani, D., Hulu, M. Z. T., Simamora, M. R., & Kesuma, S. A. (2024). Resource-based view theory to achieve a sustainable competitive advantage of the firm: Systematic literature review. International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Sustainability Studies, 4(1), 1.
Malhotra, G., Dandotiya, G., Shaiwalini, S., Khan, A., & Homechaudhuri, S. (2025). Benchmarking for organisational competitiveness: a resource-based view perspective. Benchmarking: An International Journal, 32(3), 943-964.
Mandal, J., & Mohammed, I. A. (2024). Implementation of AI transportation routing in reverse logistics to reduce CO2 footprint. International Journal of Supply Chain Management, 9(5), 1-12.
Masese, M. E., & Gatari, C. (2025). Reverse logistics and sustainable performance of agricultural value chain organizations in Kisii County, Kenya. International Academic Journal of Procurement and Supply Chain Management, 3 (2), 484, 497, 2.
Mbago, M., Mkansi, M., Ntayi, J. M., Namagembe, S., Tukamuhabwa, B., & Mwelu, N. (2025). The role of reverse supply network in enhancing reverse logistics implementation in a developing country context: does the adoption of innovative technologies matter?. Journal of Responsible Production and Consumption, 2(1), 612-637.
Miao, Q., & Nduneseokwu, C. (2025). Environmental leadership in private organizations. In Environmental leadership in a VUCA Era: An interdisciplinary handbook (pp. 317-398). Singapore: Springer Nature Singapore.
Mo, D. Y., Ma, C. Y., Ho, D. C., & Wang, Y. (2022). Design of a reverse logistics system with internet of things for service parts management. Sustainability, 14(19), 12013.
Ogutu, H., Adol, G. F. C., Bujdosó, Z., Andrea, B., Fekete-Farkas, M., & Dávid, L. D. (2023). Theoretical nexus of knowledge management and tourism business enterprise competitiveness: An integrated overview. Sustainability, 15(3), 1948.
Olonde, J. O., Oguge, N., & Kituku, W. (2025). Environmental Rule of Law: Analysis of Kenya’s Capacity Building Provisions in Climate Change Legal Regimes.
Qin, Z. (2022). The inventory control system of reverse logistics for E-Commerce packaging recovery based on BP neural network. International Journal of Circuits, Systems and Signal Processing, 16, 413-425.
Richter, K., & Dobos, I. (2004). Production-inventory control in an EOQ-type reverse logistics system. In Supply chain management and reverse logistics (pp. 139-160). Berlin, Heidelberg: Springer Berlin Heidelberg.
Shabur, M. A. (2024). A comprehensive review on the impact of Industry 4.0 on the development of a sustainable environment. Discover Sustainability, 5(1), 97.
Singh, A., Goel, A., Chauhan, A., & Singh, S. K. (2025). Sustainability of electronic product manufacturing through e-waste management and reverse logistics. Sustainable Futures, 9, 100490.
Singh, S. R., Gaur, A., Singh, D., & Padiyar, S. S. (2025). Optimal policy for manufacturer-retailer having two warehouse storage supply chain models with reverse logistics under carbon tax policy. Process Integration and Optimization for Sustainability, 9(3), 939-953.
Syed, T. A., Mehmood, F., & Qaiser, T. (2023). Brand–SMI collaboration in influencer marketing campaigns: A transaction cost economics perspective. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 192, 122580.
Tang, H., & Thelkar, A. R. (2023). A fuzzy mathematical model for hybrid inventory and purchase optimization in a reverse logistics system considering shortage and warehouse capacity. Science Progress, 106(4), 00368504231201797..
Tang, H., & Thelkar, A. R. (2023). A fuzzy mathematical model for hybrid inventory and purchase optimization in a reverse logistics system considering shortage and warehouse capacity. Science Progress, 106(4), 00368504231201797.
Tetteh, F. K., Kwateng, K. O., Tukue, T., & Mensah, J. (2025). Green supply chain management practices: review, framework and future research directions. Journal of Responsible Production and Consumption, 2(1), 112-150.
Thakkar, H., & Agarwal, P. (2026). Enhancing efficiency through negotiation and minimizing transaction costs: application of Coase theorem to corporate insolvency. International Journal of Law and Management, 68(2), 201-219.
Thibbotuwawa, A., Nanayakkara, P. R., Fernando, W. M., Jayalath, M. M., Perera, H. N., & Nielsen, P. (2023). A reverse logistics network model for handling e-commerce returns. IFAC-PapersOnLine, 56(2), 138-143.
Troisi, R., & Alfano, G. (2023). Proximity and inter-firm corruption: A transaction cost approach. Small Business Economics, 60(3), 1105-1120.
Vivona, R., Demircioglu, M. A., & Audretsch, D. B. (2023). The costs of collaborative innovation. The Journal of Technology Transfer, 48(3), 873-899.
Wadhawan, I. B., & Rizvi, M. M. (2025). Optimizing inventory management through multiobjective reverse logistics with environmental impact. Applied Mathematical Modelling, 146, 116166.
Zarei, M., & Shahab, S. (2025). Nature-based solutions in urban green infrastructure: A systematic review of success factors and implementation challenges. Land, 14(4), 818.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
All articles published in our journal are licensed under CC-BY 4.0, which permits authors to retain copyright of their work. This license allows for unrestricted use, sharing, and reproduction of the articles, provided that proper credit is given to the original authors and the source.