FACTORS INFLUENCING IMPLEMENTATION OF PUBLIC INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY PROJECTS IN PARASTATALS IN KENYA
FACTORS INFLUENCING IMPLEMENTATION OF PUBLIC INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY PROJECTS IN PARASTATALS IN KENYA
James Odongo - Student, Department of Management Science, Kenyatta University, Kenya, Kenya
Dr. Paul Sang - Senior Lecturer, Department of Management Science, Kenyatta University, Kenya, Kenya
ABSTRACT
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) projects and their relevance are spreading rapidly in government-owned institutions globally. However, the methods of implementing such projects effectively in low- and middle-income countries have evolved slowly due to several factors, including theoretical inadequacies that have kept ICT at the margins of the established governance system. In Kenya, the ICT facilities, such as computers and internet networks available in government offices, are not fully utilized mainly due to internal and external hurdles, such as outdated infrastructure, inadequate expertise, inadequate funding and unfavorable government policies. The context-specific evidence on how these factors influence the implementation of ICT projects within government parastatals in Kenya is limited. The purpose of this study is to explore the factors influencing the implementation of ICT projects in parastatals in Kenya. Specifically, this study investigates the effect of ICT attributes, funding, training and government policy on the implementation of ICT projects in Kenyan parastatals. The study was a cross-sectional survey of 99 parastatals selected through purposive sampling. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data among personnel involved in the implementation of ICT projects in these parastatals. The results indicated a high agreement level with most items related to ICT, funding, training and government policy factors, suggesting their role in ICT project implementation. However, regression analysis showed that only training was significantly associated with ICT implementation (β = 0.34, p = 0.01). Two ICT factors, improved work efficiency and productivity and lack of IT infrastructure, also independently had a significant association with ICT implementation, with the former having a negative association. The findings from this study suggest the need for adequate IT infrastructure, funding and favorable government policy to enhance the implementation of ICT projects in public sector organizations.
