An Investigation of the Impact of Digitisation of Curriculum Support Materials on Publishing Industry in Kenya: the Case of Kenya Literature Bureau (Klb) and Longhorn Publishers

Abstract

This study investigated the impact of digitisation of curriculum support materials on local publishers with special reference to Kenya Literature Bureau and Longhorn Publishers. The objectives of the study were: to examine Information Communication Technology policy and its impact on book publishers in Kenya, to examine whether there were technical, capacity and marketing challenges faced by publishers in digitising curriculum support materials, and, lastly, to establish the relationship between Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development and publishers in regard to digitisation of curriculum support materials. The study adopted a qualitative method approach in which eighteen respondents were interviewed. Qualitative research methods used to collect data were semi-structured interview and desk review. Data was analysed using qualitative methods including categorisation, comparison and descriptive statistics. Data was presented using simple tables, simple bar graphs and texts. The study was founded on the Theory of Technology Acceptance Model to explain the usefulness of Information Communication Technology to publishers. The research found out that the Information Communication Technology Policy had led to restructuring of human resource and change in operations in publishing industry. However, the same Information Communication Technology Policy had little impact on the overall sales turnover among publishers. The study found out that Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development and book publishers work in liaison with each other towards digitisation and approval of curriculum support materials although there were problems in availing content to schools due to conflicting interests. This research also found out a number of challenges encountered in digitising curriculum support materials. They include: digital rights management concerns, lack of proper policies, piracy, high costs, technological changes, lack of expertise and pricing model issues. The study recommends that the Ministry of Education formulate policies to address issues of concern to publishers like formats of the digital content, pricing, Digital Rights Management, procurement and distribution structures. The government should also provide equipment and support devices to schools to enable learners to access digital content from publishers.