Evaluation of Factors Influencing Implementation of Public Information and Communication Technology Projects in Parastatals in Kenya
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Date
2023
Authors
Odongo, James
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kenyatta University
Abstract
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) projects and their relevance are spreading
rapidly in government-owned institutions not just in developed countries, but progressively in
low- and middle-income countries as well. However, although government institutions have
had computers for more than two decades with ICT projects being executed, the methods of
using and implementing the projects effectively have evolved slowly. A technological
revolution in the parastatals has been beset by theoretical inadequacies that have kept ICT at
the margins of the established governance system. Findings of previous studies conducted in
Kenya have identified that government offices have ICT facilities, such as computers and
internet networks; however, they are not fully utilised. This underutilisation is attributed to the
effects of both external and internal hurdles, such as government policies, lack of adequate
funding, outdated infrastructure and lack of expertise. Although these studies examined the
existing ICT infrastructure within government parastatals, there is a dearth of context-specific
evidence on how funding, government policies, and training influence the implementation of
ICT projects within government parastatals in Kenya. Consequently, this study explored the
factors influencing the implementation of ICT projects in Kenyan parastatals. Specifically, the
study aimed to investigate the effect of funding on the implementation of ICT projects in
parastatal in Kenya; to determine the influence of training on the implementation of ICT
projects in parastatals in Kenya; and finally, to find out the effect of government policy on the
implementation of ICT projects in parastatals in Kenya. The study targeted a sample size of 99
parastatals that were selected through a purposeful sampling approach. The study adopted a
cross-sectional survey involving a questionnaire for collecting both quantitative and qualitative
data. Quantitative data was analysed using percentages and multivariable linear regression
while qualitative data was analysed following a thematic analysis approach. The study findings
indicated that there was a significant association between ICT training factors and ICT
implementation (β=0.34, p<0.05) whereas funding and government policy factors did not yield
significant coefficients in the regression models adopted. However, for the segmented models,
two ICT factors were determined to have significant association with ICT implementation
(improving work efficiency and productivity (β=0.33, p<0.05) and insufficient IT
infrastructure (β=-0.12, p<0.05)). There was no significant association among variables
defining funding factors, training factors, and government policy factors. Descriptively
however, the study found that budgetary constraints and overruns hindered the successful
implementation of ICT projects. Government policies significantly affected the rollout of the
projects though there were no tools for quality assurance and inadequate implementation
procedures, among others. Consequently, findings from this study are timely and of policy
relevance. First, the government should priories the allocation of budgets sufficient to cover
the whole project so that projects can be implemented smoothly. Second, the government
should prioritise training of ICT managers prior, during and perhaps after the implementation
of the ICT projects as this was the most important factor influencing the successful
implementation of ICT projects. Last, the government should establish and enforce some
accountability mechanisms to curb corruption which was highlighted as the main challenge
hindering successful implementation of ICT projects.
Description
A Research Project Submitted to the School of Business in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirement for the Award of Degree of Master of Business Administration in Project Management of Kenyatta University, January 2023.
Keywords
Implementation of Public Information and Communication Technology, Parastatals, Kenya, Factors Influencing Implementation of Public Information and Communication Technology Projects