Use of ICTs In accessing information by researchers in selected public research institutions in Kenya

Abstract

Kenya Government emphasizes that ICTs are central to globalization process and that information age is an opportunity for Kenya to strategically position herself to benefit from global economy. One of the strategies the Government anticipates to employ in achieving economic growth and development is enhanced use of ICTs by researchers in accessing information in order to increase industrial productivity, creativity, innovation, service efficiency, lower disease burden, poverty reduction and job creation under flagship projects. There is need for researchers to access and use health, industrial and technological information to enhance their potential in the realization of the Kenya Vision 2030. Many researchers in the country are still disadvantaged because of limited access and use of ICTs to facilitate research activities and improve the base for strategic decision making due to inadequate tools such as computers, although several initiatives like the Programme for the Enhancement of Research Information (PERI) have strengthened their efforts to avail information electronically. The aim of this study was to investigate the use of ICTs in accessing information by researchers at the Kenya Industrial Research and Development Institute (KIRDI) and the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) and suggest a framework to improve ICT utilization at the two research institutions. The objectives of the study were: to establish the range of information required by researchers at KIRDI and KEMRI; examine information sources and services available to researchers at KIRDI and KEMRI and determine the levels of their usefulness to researchers; find out if institutional ICT policy exists and how it supports information access, sharing and exchange by researchers at KIRDI and KEMRI; establish the challenges experienced by researchers in utilizing ICTs to access information; and suggest ways of improving access to and use of information by researchers at KIRDI and KEMRI using ICTs and propose a framework for improved ICTs use in accessing information at the case study organizations. A total of 152 respondents comprising 115 researchers and 37 key informants were interviewed. The study was informed by the Diffusion of Innovation theory originated by Everett Rogers, complemented by the General Systems theory founded by Ludwig von Bertalanffy. The study employed qualitative research method using a multiple case study approach. Data was collected through semi-structured interview schedules complemented by document review. The study employed purposive sampling technique using convenience and maximum participant variation strategies. Data was analyzed using qualitative data analysis, and where necessary quantitative techniques were utilized. It was established that due to the different areas of specialization, work experience and daily research activities researchers’ information needs and available sources varied. Libraries services existed, although web-based information services were found to be the most used to access industrial and health information. However, inadequate ICT infrastructure including internet connectivity hampered exploitation of electronic resources. There was no formal ICT policy to support information access in the institutions. Other challenges experienced by researchers included not being up-to-date with ICT skills to cope with advancement in technology. Overall researchers considered ICTs to be their main research tools much as they are basic and complementary working tools. The study therefore recommends an improvement on currency of information resources, development of robust ICT infrastructure, continuous training in ICT skills, and allocation of adequate budget to cater for sustainable ICT needs of researchers from the two institutions and a participatory approach that involves researchers in developing e-content and ICT policies.