| dc.description.abstract | In the past few years, significant growth has been realized in the internet based services
in the pure internet business as well as the traditional enterprise, which are coming of age and
advancing their online presence. This study seeks to investigate the factors influencing the
adoption of e-commerce among the youth entrepreneurs in Nakuru Town. Variables under this
study include the perceived benefits, internet service diffusion, access patterns and security and
privacy concerns. The study was conceived due to the fact that there was lack of comprehension
to the real issues that entail enhanced adoption of electronic commerce in developing nation like
Kenya. There was great concern on the reluctance, and even the sluggish pace that the SMEs
have adopted towards the adoption of electronic commerce platforms. This study incorporated
the use of an exploratory research design. The target population comprised of young
entrepreneurs in Nakuru town. The size sample was 198 entrepreneurs. Questionnaires and oral
interviews were used to collect the data required. The collected data was coded and analyzed by
use of descriptive statistics. The data was the analyzed using SPSS v.20. The findings established
that, the number of small enterprises that had so far adopted some aspects of e-commerce was
low. The findings further point to the strong influence of perceived benefits, internet diffusion
and security/ privacy concerns on adoption of e-commerce. Internet access patterns influence but
not as strongly as the other three attributes. It was evident that ‘cost consciousness’ remains a key
determinant of decisions made. The entrepreneurs expressed their concerns on inherent risks that
could lead to financial, technical or even time losses. It would be advisable for the Government,
in partnership with the key players from the private sector, to undertake nationwide campaigns to
further raise the levels of awareness, and possibly demystify the integration of e-commerce into
normal business routines. Young entrepreneurs, and their staff, should also be encouraged to
invest in their IT and other technical skills in order to fully take advantage of the ICTs. Similar
studies should however be undertaken in less urban areas of Kenya so as to address this
challenge of sluggish e-commerce adoption from both perspectives of an urban, and a rural
population. | en |
