ICT PENETRATION AND UTILIZATION: A TOOL FOR DIVERSITY, INCLUSION AND PARTICIPATION IN PUBLIC SERVICE

Abstract

Effective penetration and utilization of ICT in the public service for high-end value-adding operations in local government is crucial to enhance effective and efficient services that satisfy the citizens and other stakeholders. Affirmative action with respect to gender balance, education level and age among others has been reinforced under the Kenya Constitution 2010. It is important to study the level of ICT penetration and utilization across these categories and perhaps develop new insights into the role of ICT in facilitating diversity, inclusion and participation. This study sought to find out whether there are any significant differences between the different gender, education levels and age on the ICT penetration and utilization. Three councils were purposively selected for this study. Stratified random sampling was employed to obtain respondents within the councils. Eighty respondents were obtained with a ratio of proportional allocation being used to allocate proportionate samples to the councils and their departments based on the respective staff populations. An ICT penetration and utilization index was developed based on a custom-made weighting. Pearson Moment of Correlation Coefficient and test of statistical significance were used to compare the strength of linear relationship between the ICT penetration and utilization index and gender, education and age. It was noted that there is no significant difference between male and female on ICT penetration and utilization while there are variations across different education levels and ages.