Challenges of Implementing Cloud Technologies in Kenyan Universities

Abstract

The cloud computing phenomenon has contributed to the development and deployment of various cloud technologies that are improving business value by promoting perfect competition, flexibility, accessibility, efficiency in operations and cost-saving. Several commercial and strategic reasons encourage greater use of cloud applications and services in order to maintain a competitive digital economy. Nowadays, numerous cloud-based technologies are available and used widely. In this era, technology, economic perspectives and business models are the key drivers for cloud innovations. The e-infrastructures on the cloud offers advanced and scalable services such as crowdsourcing platforms, central storage and backup, multimedia services, web-based email and project management tools. The main aim of the study is to identify challenges hindering the implementation of cloud technologies in Kenyan universities. The study was conducted at the Nairobi metropolitan site where six universities were sampled. The data was captured online where a total of 150 questionnaires were sent out to the selected universities, the response rate was 82.7%. The study used the TOE theoretical framework to model the key elements such as technology, organization and environment that lens through the phenomena under study to identify variables that influence cloud implementation. TOE was used as the foundation for the conceptual framework to model research problems, questions, data gathering, analysis techniques and interpretation. The study identified the following cloud implementation challenges: technology aspects, network connections, reliability of solution providers, portability, security, privacy, ICT skills and lack of computers. Other factors that influence cloud technologies implementation are privacy issues, competitive pressure, social pressure, speed and performance, availability, scalability, cyber threats, management, organizational culture and compatibility. Kenyan universities should establish a mechanism and guidelines that protect access and sharing of data on the cloud, source comprehensive and cost-effective cloud solutions, maintain service level agreements to improve performance and quality of services, deploy competent and experienced personnel and maintain continuous capacity-building programs.