Abstract:
Technological innovations, adoption and use of new printing technologies are key to
the growth and development of the printing industry. They contribute immensely in
terms of productivity where better quality print products, faster output and efficient
printing processes and services can be achieved. Despite this fact, adoption and use of
new or improved technologies in the printing industry in Kenya hasbeen low. The aim
of this study was to explore the kind of printing technologies being utilized to enhance
productivity at the Kenya Literature Bureau (KLB) with a view to proposing measures
for improvement. The objectives of the study were to: establish the range of printing
technologies available at the KLB; determine the professional training levels of staff
in using printing technologies at the KLB; assess perceptions of staff in using the
printing technologies at the KLB; analyse the effect of new printing technologies on
productivity; examine the benefits and challenges of the new printing technologies at
the KLB and suggest measures for improvement. The study was guided by resource based theory and Technology Acceptance Model. A mixed method approach was used
in data collection, whereby both qualitative and quantitative data was obtained from a
study population of 300 KLB staff, out of which, 56 respondents were purposively
selected from Production Department to take part in the study. Questionnaires and
interview guides were used to collect data from the respondents. Data was analysed
using descriptive and inferential statistics as well as thematic analysis. The key
findings were that KLB mainly uses the old conventional litho printing technologies
which undermine productivity; they have little adoption to the new printing
technologies and there is need to retrain/expose their staff. Despite the high
perception rate (91.7%) on the usefulness of new printing technologies and staff
concurrence that quality, effectiveness and efficiency are some of the key benefits
they bring a long, there is a disconnect between “perception and the real situation”,
meaning therefore that the printing technologies used in the organization‟s printing
press need improvement. The study concludes that customers demand convenience,
better utility, and greater value for their money, which makes it necessary for the
printing industry to keep on improving the quality, capacity and efficiency of their
products and services and this depends on the kind of technologies used. The study
recommends that KLB should replace the old equipment and the government should
consider zero rating import duties on new printing technologies as a way of
encouraging printing firms to adopt the new technologies. Also, staff training in the
printing industry should be continuous and supplemented through exhibitions,
workshops and seminars as a way of creating awareness of the new technologies and
developments as well as an intensive educational experience in a short period of time,
when the time for a more comprehensive effort may not be available.