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International Journal of Scientific Research in Science, Engineering and Technology
Print ISSN: 2395-1990 | Online ISSN : 2394-4099 (www.ijsrset.com)
doi : https://doi.org/10.32628/IJSRSET218440
294
Role of ICT4D in the Growth and Development of SMES : A Solution To Digital Divide
Masese Chuma Benard, Mbugua Samwel Thaiya, Korongo Julia Nduta, Joram Mutai Kiptoo,
Dr. Nambiro Alice Wechuli
Department of Information Technology, Kibabii University, Kenya
Article Info
Volume 8, Issue 4
Page Number : 294-303
Publication Issue :
July-August-2021
Article History
Accepted : 20 July 2021
Published: 03 Aug 2021
ABSTRACT
ICTs have played a critical role within the development of business particularly
small and medium enterprises. During a modern digital era, technology is most
vital pillar within the provision of data and knowledge for the growth of
development, sustainability, productivity and competitiveness of small and
medium enterprises. The primary goal of this study was to research on the role
of ICT4D in the growth and development of SMEs: a solution to digital divide.
The paper used secondary data. It was noted that small and medium enterprises
take part in a significant role in Kenya’s economy. Enterprises in Kenya, more
especially SMEs, have enjoyed the benefits and the potential of adoption and
utilization of ICT within their operations. ICT has the potential of
remodeling the business and improve.
Keywords : ICT, ICT4D, SME’S, Growth and Development, Digital Divide
I. INTRODUCTION
The communications revolution and dynamics has
encouraged many countries with limited resources
to adopt and use ICT for development
(ICT4D). This is often enhanced with the
adoption of latest technologies like cloud
computing, internet of things, block chain, mobile
phones, digital computing devices and therefore
the network gives the sting and means to
unravel the socially, technically and economic
development challenges (Chaudhuri, 2012).
ICTs have a crucial role within the community and
their proper utilization has proved to possess a
big output for socioeconomic development and
environmental sustainability especially (Wabwoba
& Nambiro, 2020).In spite of this developments
within the Information Communication and
Technology field, small and medium enterprises in
third world economies are affected with significant
challenges for example slowing down growth,
declining trend in technological innovation and
adoption, and lack of success of the
enterprises(Bunyasi, Bwisa, & Namusonge, 2014).
In accordance with Kenya Institute for Public Policy
Research and Analysis (KIPPRA) study research,
noted that small and medium enterprises have finite
contribution to the Gross domestic
product (GDP) (KIPPRA, 2014). It was further noted
that small and medium enterprises contribute up to
over sixty percent of the assembly, employment
creation and development, but up to seventy to eighty