The role of information communication technology (ICT) in electoral process management in Bungoma County, Kenya.

Abstract

The application of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in elections is getting increased consideration. Technology in electoral process is seen as a remedy for numerous electoral challenges ranging from establishment of an accurate and reliable voter register, streamlined voting and result tally to quicker transmission of election results. However, the electoral exercise in Kenya through technology has confirmed that the application of ICTs comes with some jeopardies, for instance failing of equipment, the disputed integrity of machines and even exposure to hacking as it was alleged in 2017 disputed presidential elections resulting to continuous incredible elections conduct in Kenya. This study sought to assess the role of Information Communication Technology in Elections Management in Kenya with a specific reference to Bungoma County and its influences towards transparent and democratic elections. The specific objectives of this study were to analyse the types of information communication technologies used in elections management in Bungoma County Kenya, to establish the benefits of using information communication technology in elections management in Bungoma County Kenya and lastly to investigate the challenges faced in using information communication technology in elections management in Bungoma County, Kenya. The study utilized adaptive structuration theory and Diffusion of Innovation Theory to guide the study. The study adopted descriptive survey research design to outline the characteristics of the study variables. The target population of the study was 240 respondents who included politicians, non-governmental organizations and Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) officials. The sample size of 150 was obtained using Slovin’s (2004) formula. Questionnaires and interview schedules were used to collect data from purposively selected respondents. The study established that electorates were aware of the role of technology in election management in the country whereas 105 representing (70%) of the 150 respondents knew Biometric Voters Register (BVR) while Ballot marking devices were known by 45 respondents representing (30%) of the respondents. The study further revealed that the benefits of the information communication technology use in electoral management was at average level representing 86 (57%) of the respondents and 72 of the respondents felt it was a failure compared to the 38 of those who considered it a success. The common challenges reported included lack of familiarity with the use of technology in election management, lack of awareness of voter registration process, poor infrastructure and facilities such as electricity and network, and manipulation of the technology systems used in election management representing 21%, 20%, 18% and 13% of the respondents respectively. The study recommends that the government should provide adequate financial support to facilitate continuous electronic voter registration exercise. The voters and election officials should also be continuously trained on the use of new technology in election management. A study on appropriate technological devices and their suitable settings for relevance in applicability is recommended for further study. Studies to better understand technology adoption theories are also suggested, as they can provide a better understanding of factors that may influence voters' acceptance of these technologies, as well as issues that are likely to affect adoption and use of ICT in electoral processes, such as preparation, recruitment, training, and the physical characteristics of polling places, which are determinants of voter behavior.