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.