FACTORS INFLUENCING ADOPTION OF INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY AMONG SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES IN NAIROBI COUNTY (KENYA)

Abstract

Many SMEs in the clothing industry in Kenya have faced severe competition, so they have adopted ICT to increase their productivities, as most of them indicated. This study investigated the factors influencing ICT adoption among clothing SMEs in Nairobi County (Kenya) with a view of developing a new framework that would accelerate the rate of adoption. The research adopted a descriptive research design. A sample size of 100 Clothing SMEs was drawn from the entire population of 444 firms. A random sampling technique was used to select the respondents. Qualitative data collected was organized into themes and sub themes and conclusion drawn. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics including frequency distribution table which incorporated means and mode with the aid of Microsoft excel software. Inferential statistics; factor analysis and multiple regressions were used to establish the adoption of ICT by SMEs in Kenya. The study found out that a significant number of organizations faced difficulties in the selection and implementation stage of ICT adoption. There is a significant level of ICT adoption in the operations of the clothing SMEs. Technology availability, compatibility, complexity, characteristic, accessibility; organizational aspects such as managerial structure, readiness, culture and HR competency and external factors such as regulations, market structure, economic conditions and social factors have greatly influenced ICT adoption level in the industry. Based on the study findings the researcher recommends that, the clothing sector should ensure that every organization has personnel who are rich in innovativeness and ICT competence.