Foreign Electronic Donations and Environmental Sustainabilty in Kenya
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Date
2018-10
Authors
Otieno, Bernice A.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kenyatta University
Abstract
A dominant and current assumption is that, if Africa is to develop, it should incorporate ICT
strategies such as e-commerce, e-governance, e-health, e-education, e-gender, e-agriculture,
e-commerce as part of its development strategies. Accordingly, ICT has become an essential
global resource in Kenyan development. However, Kenya is experiencing digital gap in terms
of affordably, accessibility and usage. As such, computers have been donated from global
North to South to fill this gap. These donations though beneficial, they have unintended and
anticipated consequences that are unknown to donor organizations in the North. The study
explores whether these donations can contribute to sustainable development in Kenya. The
study examines the nexus between communication and state building. The research also
demonstrates how e-waste is a challenge to sustainable development. The study adopted
modernisation theory to explain how ICT donation was one of the strategies for nation
building. The research design was based on exploratory research using both qualitative and
quantitative method. Non-probabilistic sampling using purposive sampling technique was
used to collect data. Both primary data and secondary data were collected; the latter was
collected through interviews and questionnaire. Data analysis was done by employing the
thematic analytical technique. The premises in this study were analysed, and it was observed
that communication is a significant resource in nation building in Kenya. However, low
penetration of information, communication and technology presents socio-economic and
political developmental challenges. Despite Kenya being a signatory to both Basel and
Bamako Convention, she is yet to domesticate the policy. Although, there is established ewaste
guideline, the standard of e-waste control is still wanting and the trend of
domestication has been slow. As such the research concludes that ICT donations bridge the
digital divide, but the presence of e-waste will prolong achievement of sustainable
development. Accordingly, the question of sustainability should be part of development
strategies which involve the application of ICT.
Description
A Thesis Submitted to the School of Humanities and Social Sciences in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirement for the Award of the Degree of Master of Arts in Diplomacy and International Relations at Kenyatta University