dc.description.abstract | Cloud computing is the latest trend in IT world. It is Internet-based computing, whereby
shared resources, software and information; are provided to computers and other devices
on-demand. The study was concerned with the adoption of cloud computing among small
and medium enterprises in Kenya. The study was guided by the following research
objectives: To establish the drivers for cloud computing adoption by SME’s in Kenya,
cloud computing risks of Safaricom hosted cloud computing, mitigation strategies
forclouding computing risks and to determine the impact of clouding computing adoption
on SME’s performance.The study used a descriptive studytargeting the chief
information technology officer, information technology managers, information system
managers and managers involved in policy making decisions on computing systems in
30 SMEs that have adopted cloud computing. The study collected primary datausing
questionnaires. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression analysis. The
results were presented using tables and other graphical presentations for ease of
understanding and analysis. The respondents were of the perception that cloud computing
is cost effective, easier to use, solves problems and easier to learn. The study also found out
that the major concerns for cloud computing adoption were security, privacy and reliability
and that cloud computing adoption had positive impact on
organizationalperformance.Adoption of cloud computing is determined by the technical
competence of the IT staff, firm size and profit objectives of the firm .Medium size firms
with competent IT staff and cost cutting objectives are more likely to adopt cloud
computing due to its perceived affordability. Consequently the study concludes there has
been significant progress towards adoption of cloud computing in Kenya. This is mainly
attributed to cloud computing solutions being more attractive, cost-effective, easy to get
and purchase, compared to company owned infrastructure. | en_US |