| dc.description.abstract | This study, entitled: Patterns of adoption and uses of mobile phones by micro and small scale entrepreneurs in Kenya: a case study of Nairobi Kariobangi market shall be guided by the following research objectives: - establish the characteristics of the micro and small-scale business enterprises operated at Kariobangi Market, identify mobile phone services provided in Kenya and determine their frequency of use among micro and small scale business enterprises in Kenya, determine the socio-demographic, technological and communication factors influencing the adoption and use of mobile phones by micro and small scale business entrepreneurs at Kariobangi Market, investigate the motivations for using the mobile phones by micro and small scale business enterprises and identify the challenges faced by micro and small scale business enterprises when using the mobile phone services.
The adoption of mobile phones is guided by the Diffusion of Innovations Theory, Technological Acceptance Model (TAM) and Uses and Gratification (U & G) Theory. In addition, the adoption and use of mobile phones by micro and small scale business entrepreneurs is motivated by sociodemographic, technological and communication factors. Although numerous challenges face micro and small scale business owners when using the mobile phone services, mobile phones have been adopted by small and medium scale business. This study employed quantitative methods.
It was found out that there are various factors influencing the adoption of mobile phones by micro and small enterprises. No single factor singly determined the adoption patterns and uses of mobile phones by SMES. The various factors interplayed to cause such influence and to determine the adoption patterns. The main service provider is Safari com followed by Airtel. More focus is put on receiving or making voice calls and making payments. Nokia were the most used make of mobile phones. Technological and communication factors also influence the adoption of mobile phones. There were various motivations for use of mobile phones and challenges to using mobile phones. | en_US |
