| dc.description.abstract | Mobile Internet, which refers to the use of the Internet via a handheld device, has received much attention in various countries. At this stage, little is known why this technology has been used widely in some countries such as Japan and Korea, and has not in other countries. To enrich the existing studies in this context, which were limited, this study explored the Kenyan consumer's perception of Mobile Internet in order to examine some factors that may foster its use. The main objective of this study was to establish the impact of utility, user-experience, mobility and social networking on the use of Mobile Internet in Kenya. The study investigated the independent variables utility, user-experience, mobility and social networking on how they influenced the dependent variable Mobile Internet Usage. Human Factors is the intervening variable. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design and data was gathered using structured questionnaires.
Descriptive statistics (frequencies and percentages) and Pearson Correlations were computed with the aid of SPSS. The results were presented in the form of tables. The study established that utility, user-experience, mobility and Social Networking have a positive influence on mobile internet usage in Kenya. Demographic characteristics such as age, gender and educational background had an influence on the use of mobile internet; usage was higher among young persons, among women and among persons with higher educational backgrounds. It was also established that Mobile internet utility significantly influences the use of mobile internet; Service affordability and anticipated value of the money spent has a strong influence on mobile internet usage. The mobile internet user-experience significantly affected service usage, Mobile internet users in Nakuru County had appreciated the easiness of use of mobile internet, convenience and the ability to use mobile internet in any position.
Following this findings the study recommended that mobile phone manufacturers consider coming up with affordable mobile phones that meet the user specifications addressing aspects of mobility, diverse internet utility and address the social networking requirements; and that Mobile phone manufacturers and dealers to consider organizing educational exhibitions, seminars and public sensitizations that enrich target consumers with information that will enable them make informed choices. The study also recommended that mobile phone internet service providers to consider making the service affordable and accessible to all persons irrespective of age, gender or educational background. This can be achieved by making browsing less complicated. The findings of this study may be useful to Internet Service Providers, Cyber Cafes owners, Regulators, mobile companies and the general public in improving the quality of internet access through improved policy and regulation as well enhancement of network standards and access. | en_US |
