Factors determining ICT utilization among Women in Mumias Division, Kenya

Abstract

In rural areas, women face major challenges which hinder their utilization of and deprives them the enjoyment that comes with Information and Communicatio Communication n Technologies (ICTs). This paper explores the factors that determine women’s utilization of the ICTs in Mumias Division. The foregoing study was based on the assumption that ICT utilization by women brings about development. The purpose of the study was t to establish the socio-economic economic factors that determine women’s utilization of ICTs. A survey approach was adopted. The sample was made up of 120 respondents systematically sampled from the 600 households neighbouring the market centres of each location. The instrument used for data collection was a structured questionnaire. The data collected was subjected to inferential and descriptive statistics analysis. The findings showed that there is a significant relationship between the women’s level of education and an computer utilization and economic status of women and cultural values with the utilization of ICTs. The study, therefore, recommended to the policy makers that they should introduce computer learning in primary schools to introduce the skills early. It w would ould be important too to sensitize men on the importance of modern technology to their women counterparts in development.