Utilization of Information Communication Technology and Performance of University of Kabianga in Kericho County Kenya

Abstract

Assessing the rate at which ICTs utilization was being used to enhance the performance of the institution (University of Kabianga) in Kericho County Kenya, was the main reason for carrying out this research project with the aim of focusing on the four variables namely: ICT infrastructure, ICT proficiency, ICT integration and ICT management supports. The problem has been that our universities have been investing so much in ICT and yet the added value of it has not been realized in terms of utilization to enhance their performance. Universities in Kenya are mandated to produce highly intellectual, knowledgeable and skilled manpower hence enhancing utilization of information communication technology and performance of our universities specifically University of Kabianga. The study adopted a descriptive research design so as to establish detailed information about the relationship that exists between the variables. The target population was 260 which comprised of the teaching staff, non-teaching staff and the students of the University of Kabianga. Simple and stratified unsystematic selection method was adapted to sample 125 targeted groups from the entire target population. In order to establish the validity and reliability of the data collection questionnaires, a pilot testing was done on the instrument. A semi structured Questionnaires was used to collect data for the study which were distributed to the targeted population. The data analysis was done by use of descriptive statistic with the deployment of version 20.0 statistical package for social sciences represented in tables, mean and standard deviation. Statistics from University of Kabianga indicate a decline in university system efficiency and reliability by 29.6 percent, Decline in the digitization of university activities by 33.0 percent, inadequate adaptation of E -application by university indicated by 22.6 percent and ineffectiveness of ICT facilities in completion of both University of Kabianga employees and students work indicated by 22.6 percent. The findings of the study reveals that there is much work to be done on the ICT Utilization in our public universities in order to enhance their performance as the variables that was being investigated prove much insufficiency in terms of usage and adoption. The study sought to evaluate ICT proficiency on ICT utilization and performance in the Kabianga university, Among the variable tested were Effectiveness of ICT facilities in completing work for both employees and students use, equal chances of selection for the ICT Training in the university were key. The study established that most management staffs and students lack necessarily knowledge of the technology involved, there is underestimation of both training costs and equal chance of selection of students and staffs in the university Kabianga thus this leads to investing in training without assessing the level of training posing a very big challenge to ICT utilization and performance within the university. The study concludes that ICT infrastructure available has big effect on ICT utilization and performance of University Kabianga from the variables that were tested. The staff and students was clear from the study that they have a big challenge that hinders the efficient and effective use of ICT to enhance performance of the University. The infrastructure also is not adequate to both staff and students of University Kabianga. Investing in training is done without first accessing the levels of training needs for both staff and University have not fully integrated it activities. Nevertheless, Management have tried in allocation of funds as seen in the existence of maintenance contract for all systems but is little to show support on the formulation of policies regarding ICT. The recommended from this study if followed to the later can help in the process of attainment of full utilization of ICTs in our Universities. The study may inform University of Kabianga, ministry of educations and other learning institutions on effectiveness of utilization of information communication technology for the performance of the institution.