| dc.description.abstract | This study sought to identify the innovations developed by SEs in
their effort to overcome problems related to resource scarcity with a view
to establishing the technological obstacles hindering further development.
129 SEs were sampled in four areas - Nairobi, Thika, Nyeri and Machakos.
The data needed was gathered through observation and interviews.
Most of the technological innovations identified meet the criteria
of appropriate technology as described in the literature. The techniques
used make optimum use of available materials and resources in the local
environment and the products created meet the local people's needs. The
processes are more labour-intensive, relatively simple and show a high
degree of adaptation to the local environment.
A major problem of most innovations in the SE sector is that
although the innovators expect imitation, they appear incapable of
preempting it by strengthening their designs as suggested in the literature.
Another problem with the innovations in this sector is the lack of continual
change or improvement which is necessary for the maintenance or
enhancement of competitiveness even after the imitative phase. The major
obstacles hindering the continual improvement of these innovations are
lack of finance, marketing skills and technical expertise.
The major policy interventions proposed in this study relate to the
provision of an enabling environment to facilitate the coming together of
the SE innovators and the important aspects of finance, technical expertise
and market information. The problem of financial resources should be
addressed through policies designed to improve access to credit in this
sector, while encouraging SE owners to form associations and to devise
their own credit programs. The government should playa facilitative role
through the use of policy instruments that encourage continuous and
incremental upgrading of existing technologies in the SE sector. Research ,
should be devoted to upgrading SE sector technologies with a view"to
addressing the limitations relating to production processes, skills and
quality of output. | en |
