A framework for assessing successful implementation of digital villages in Kenya
Abstract
It is believed that Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) can lead to
development in developing countries hence the rush to execute ambitious ICT projects in
these countries and especially in rural areas. The main focus of these initiatives has been the
implementation of these projects, rather than successful implementation of these projects
leading to realization of the desired impacts on the beneficiary. This has led to many failures
of these projects.
Kenya not being an exception has implemented so many lCT-related projects and most of
these projects are not perform ing to the expectations of the government. Many Digital
Inclusion (OT) projects have been put up but only a fraction of them are fully serving the
community's needs. A visit to the Digital Village Pilot Projects by the IBM Teams confirms
this. Assessing successful implementation of these projects is very important to ascertain the
value of the project from the stakeholders' point of view if the desired impact is to be
realized.
This research was therefore geared towards developing a conceptual framework that can been
used to assess successful implementation of Digital Villages in Kenya with more emphasis on
Pasha Centres. Several ICT for Development (ICT4D) assessment frameworks were studied
and important elements incorporated in the proposed framework. The elements in the
framework were then tested using descriptive survey and instruments such as questionnaires,
interviews and observation used to collect data. Hypotheses were formulated based on the
major elements of the proposed framework.
The elements in the conceptual framework were confirmed through data analysis and testing
of the hypotheses. Newer elements were discovered and incorporated in the tested
framework. The framework can be used to assess successful implementation of Digital
Village Projects (DVPs) in Kenya from inception period onwards to avoid undertaking
projects that end up fail ing in the long run.
Publisher
School of Computing and Informatics
Description
MSc