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.