Department of Information & Library Sciences

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://koha2.tukenya.ac.ke/handle/123456789/919

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Status of Library Spaces and Facilities in University Libraries in Kenya
(European Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences, 2023-06-25) Kwanya, Tom; Gikunju, Milcah; Odero, Damaris
In the global sphere, university library users’ needs continue to change thus university libraries are repositioning themselves to address the changing users’ needs. An important aspect of the change revolves around the library space and many university libraries are making efforts to change their spaces to meet the need driven by information technology, improved higher education systems and shifting of users’ expectations. This paper discusses the status of library spaces in Kenyan university libraries and is based on research conducted using pragmatic research paradigm and a convergent mixed methods design and multiple case studies strategy. The study population was university library users in Kenya consisting of six (6) participating universities (three public and three private) purposefully selected based on their age (time they have been in existence). Students and academic staff participated in a survey; librarians participated in focus groups while university librarians had interviews. This study collected data through online questionnaires, online focus group discussions and telephone call interviews. The qualitative data was thematically analysed while the quantitative data adopted a statistical approach that encompasses descriptive statistics. The results show some common available library spaces among the university libraries, the most preferred available library spaces and most frequently used library spaces by the users on daily basis. The study recommends continuous assessment of library spaces in the universities in order to understand library users’ needs and make informed decisions.
Public Access to Information and Open Governance in Kenya
(2023-11) Kwanya, Tom; Kogos, Angella
Case Study: Kenyan University Libraries Status of Access to Library Spaces and Facilities for Persons with Disabilities
(Journal of Arts & Humanities, 2023-07-12) Kwanya, Tom; Gikunju, Milcah; Odero, Damaris
ABSTRACT The purpose of this paper was to find out the position of library spaces and facilities at the university libraries in Kenya particularly in serving users with disabilities. The study was conducted using a pragmatic research philosophy, a convergent mixed methods design and a multiple-case studies strategy. The study population was university library users and librarians drawn from six public and private universities in Kenya. The six universities were selected purposefully based on their age (time they have been in existence) with an assumption that old universities have more developed infrastructure. Data was collected from students and academic staff who participated in an online survey; librarians participated in online focus groups and follow up online surveys while university librarians and students with disabilities had telephone call interviews. There were follow up telephone calls with the university librarians. The online survey was conducted using online questionnaires that were distributed via emails and Whatsapp. Online focus group discussions were conducted in Google Meet platform and interviews were conducted via personal telephone calls. The qualitative data collected was analysed thematically while the quantitative data adopted a statistical approach that encompasses descriptive and inferential statistics. After exploring inclusivity of university library spaces and facilities in Kenya for users with disabilities, this paper noted though the university libraries offered some space and facilities for PWDs, these were far from sufficient. The findings revealed that library staff required training on how to handle and assist PWDs and sign language was largely emphasised. However, the study concluded that accommodating diverse needs of persons with disabilities is a long-term process that requires involvement of all the relevant stakeholders. In addition, the study noted that access to services and facilities for PWDs is another significant aspect of modernised university library.
Harnessing fourth industrial revolution (4IR) technologies for sustainable development in Africa: a meta-analysis
(Emerald Insight, 2023-02-19) Kwanya, Tom; Nyagowa, Hesbon; Kibe, Lucy
Abstract Purpose – The fourth industrial revolution (4IR) has changed the way people operate. All sectors of the economy have been affected by this technological advancement. However, little is known of how 4IR technologies are used in Africa. This paper aimed to investigate how 4IR technologies can be harnessed to support sustainable development in Africa. The objectives of the study were to: examine the infometric patterns of research production on 4IR technologies for sustainable development in Africa; explore the perception of 4IR technologies and their potential for sustainable development in Africa; investigate the extent to which 4IR technologies have been harnessed to support sustainable development in Africa; determine the factors influencing the use of 4IR technologies for sustainable development in Africa; and identify the strategies which can be used to harness 4IR technologies for sustainable development in Africa. Design/methodology/approach – The study applied a mixed methods research approach. Quantitative data was collected through bibliometrics analysis while qualitative data was collected by use of systematic literature review. Data was collected from Google Scholar using Harzing’s “Publish or Perish” software and analysed using Microsoft Excel, Notepad, VOSviewer and Atlas.ti and presented using tables, graphs and figures. Findings – The study retrieved 914 research publications on 4IR and sustainable development in Africa. It emerged that production of research on the subject has increased gradually over the years. The findings reveal that Africa is aware of the potential of 4IR for sustainable development. In fact, it emerged that 4IR technologies are being used to support education, health services, tourism, e-commerce, records integrity and project management. Some of the factors that inhibit the use of 4IR for sustainable development Africa include lack of relevant policies, low skill levels in 4IR technologies, inadequate infrastructure and lack of stakeholder involvement. This study recommends the development of policies in 4IR, capacity building and upgrading of infrastructures. The findings can be used by governments in Africa to harness 4IR technologies for sustainable development. Originality/value – The research is original in scope and coverage.
Every “reader” his or her “book”: Information services to persons with disabilities in Tangaza University College
(KLISC Journal of Information Science and Knowledge Management, 2023) Kwanya, Tom; Awuor, Afline
ABSTRACT Shiyali Ramamrita Ranganathan, an Indian librarian, and mathematician developed the Five Laws of Librarianship in 1931. Principles drawn from these laws undergird the design and delivery of library services to date. The second law states that “every reader his or her book”. This implies that libraries should deliver services and resources which are customised for the specific needs of unique categories of their users. The degree to which academic libraries in Kenya offer appropriate services to persons with disabilities (PWDs), particularly in the post-COVID-19 era, is unknown. This paper evaluates the services offered to PWDs by academic libraries in Kenya using Tangaza University College Library as a case study. Specifically, the paper assesses the preparedness of academic libraries in Kenya to meet the information needs of PWDs, identifies the services and resources offered to PWDs by academic libraries in Kenya, evaluates the usability of the services, and proposes a framework for providing information services to PWDs in academic libraries in Kenya in the post-COVID 19 era. This paper was developed using concurrent triangulated mixed methods research through which quantitative and qualitative data was collected from 11 librarians and 9 PWDs using questionnaires and interviews respectively. Due to the small number of the target population, a census was used. The findings of the study reveal that academic libraries are least prepared to offer information services and materials to PWDs. Although commendable efforts are being made, there are gaps in the conceptualization, design, and delivery of the services. There is a need for a framework to mainstream the needs of the PWDs in the bouquet of services offered by academic libraries in Kenya. The findings contribute to the discourses on the emerging role of libraries in safeguarding the information and communication rights of PWDs in Kenya and abroad in the post-COVID era. A framework to enhance information services to PWDs by academic libraries in Kenya is proposed.
Curbing Cyberbullying on Facebook: An Analysis of Mitigation Strategies in Universities in Kenya
(2023) Kwanya, Tom; Ogolla, Erick; Kibe, Lucy; Kogos, Angella; Onsare, Claudior
Abstract Cyberbullying is the wilful and repeated use of electronic devices and platforms to harm others. It is becoming increasingly practised amongst university students in digital spaces. This paper examines the mitigation strategies Kenyan university students and administrators adopt to help curb cyberbullying. The study underpinning this paper applied mixed methods research approach employing both qualitative and quantitative studies. The total population of undergraduate students was 610,563, while that of the dean of students was 49. The study used stratified and information oriented sampling techniques. The study sample comprised 4,770 undergraduate students and 24 deans of students from 16 public and eight private chartered universities in Kenya. Quantitative data was collected from the students using questionnaires. Qualitative data was also collected from the students using focus group discussions and deans of students using key informant interviews. The study's findings indicate that students responded to cyberbullying by enhancing their online security, blocking perpetrators of cyberbullying, flagging and reporting offenders, seeking counselling, and taking legal action against them. The effectiveness of these strategies varied depending on the type of cyberbullying suffered. The authors conclude that cyberbullying is a prevalent socio-technological ill affecting undergraduate students in universities in Kenya. A myriad of strategies to cope with the vice has been adopted. However, this paper recommends concerted efforts of the students, deans of students, universities, government, and society in devising and implementing comprehensive strategies for curbing cyberbullying in universities in Kenya.
The emerging roles of academic librarians in Kenya: apomediaries or infomediaries?
(Emerald Publishing Limited, 2020-06-01) Kwanya, Tom; Nakitare, Joel; Sawe, Emily; Nyambala, Joyce
Purpose – The main purpose of this study was to investigate the emerging roles of academic librarians in Kenya, with a view to determining whether they perform better as apomediaries or infomediaries. The specific objectives were to: examine the characteristics of the changing information universe in which academic librarians in Kenya currently operate; analyse the information-seeking behaviour of academic library users in the new information universe and examine the emerging roles of academic librarians in Kenya. Design/methodology/approach – This study adopted a descriptive research design and used an online survey research technique to collect data from practising academic librarians. This study targeted senior librarians from all the 67 private and public universities in Kenya. One senior librarian per university was purposefully selected to fill the questionnaire owing to their experience and expertise. 33 out of the 67 senior librarians responded to the survey. The collected data were descriptively analysed using SPSS, and as per the study objectives. Findings – This study established that most library users are digital independent and access library resources remotely. Nonetheless, many users still borrow and utilize print books despite the ubiquity of digital platforms. The findings revealed that academic librarians to a great extent now play the role of apomediaries, going beyond information giving to empowering their users. Practical implications – There is need for academic librarians in Kenya to not only be aware of the characteristics of their current users but also to continuously develop professionally so as to be able to adequately cater for the needs of their clients. Originality/value – This paper contributes to the scholarship on librarians’ roles in Kenya by demonstrating that most of them are transitioning to the apomediary roles.
Stigmatisation of Indigenous Knowledge: The Case of Night-running in Western Kenya
(Journal of Religion in Africa, 2020) Kwanya, Tom
Abstract Night-runners are perceived as faceless, evil people who run naked in the darkness, thereby wreaking havoc in otherwise peaceful rural villages. This paper investigates the origins of night-running, the mysteries associated with it, the benefits and harms of night-running, and the impact of indigenous knowledge (IK) stigmatisation on this practice. Indigenous knowledge is the body of unique beliefs, attitudes, skills, and practices possessed by communities in a specific geographic setting. In spite of its potential value, scholars point out that indigenous knowledge has been neglected, vindicated, stigmatised, legalised, and suppressed among the majority of the world’s communities due to ignorance and arrogance. Night-running is one of the indigenous practices in Western Kenya that has been stigmatised. Given this, little is actually known about night-running. This study was designed as an ethnographic research through which the views of the residents of Homa Bay County on night-running were investigated, collated, and interpreted as a means of demystifying this indigenous practice. The findings of the study indicate that night-running is intrinsically a harmless practice. However, evil persons such as witches sometimes masquerade as night-runners and can hurt or kill people.
Research data management literacy amongst lecturers at Strathmore University, Kenya
(Emerald Publishing Limited, 2020-04-05) Kwanya, Tom; Adika, Fredrick Odhiambo
Abstract Purpose – The purpose of this study was to analyse the skills required by lecturers to be able to support research data management effectively; assess the research data management literacy levels amongst lecturers at Strathmore University; and suggest how research data management capacity can be strengthened to mitigate the knowledge gaps identified. Design/methodology/approach – This study was conducted as a mixed methods research. Explanatory sequential mixed methods approach was used to collect, analyse and interpret quantitative and qualitative data from lecturers at Strathmore University in Nairobi, Kenya. Quantitative data was collected using questionnaires while qualitative data was collected through focus group discussions. Quantitative data was analysed using SPSS while qualitative data was analysed thematically. Findings – The findings of this study indicate varied levels of research data management literacy amongst lecturers at Strathmore University. Lecturers understand the need of having literacy skills in managing research data. They also participate in data creation, collection, processing, validation, dissemination, sharing and archiving. This is a clear indication of good research data management. However, the study also revealed gaps in research data management skills amongst the lecturers in areas such as sharing of research data on open access journals, data legislation and securing research data. Research limitations/implications – The study has been conducted in one university in Kenya. However, the findings have been contextualised in the global landscape through suitable references. Practical implications – The findings of this study may be used to attract the attention of lecturers and librarians to research data management. The findings may also be used to develop institutional policies on research data management at Strathmore University and beyond. The suggested ways of research data capacity strengthening can be adopted or adapted by other universities to enhance research data management. Originality/value – This is an original study.
Relationship between big data analytics and organisational performance of the Technical University of Kenya and Strathmore University in Kenya
(Emerald Publishing Limited, 2020-04-12) Kwanya, Tom; Kibe, Lucy Wachera; Owano, Ashah
Abstract Purpose – Big data analytics is a set of procedures and technologies that entails new forms of integration to uncover large unknown values from large data sets that are various, complex and of an immense scale. The use of big data analytics is generally considered to improve organisational performance. However, this depends on capabilities of different organisations to provide the resources required for big data analytics. This study aims to investigate the influence of big data analytics on organisational performance of Technical University of Kenya (TUK) and Strathmore University (SU). Design/methodology/approach – This study was conducted as a mixed method research to enable a deep understanding of the concept. Primary data was collected through structured questionnaires and interviews with clientele and information communication technology staff from the TUK and SU, both in Nairobi, Kenya. Secondary data was collected through interviews and questionnaires. Data was analysed and presented using descriptive statistics. Findings – The findings revealed that most of the variables of organisational performance such as innovativeness, creativeness, effectiveness, productiveness and efficiency are affected positively by conducting big data analytics in both institutions. The results demonstrate that the TUK showed a negative relationship between big data analytics and competiveness and profitability while SU showed a positive relationship between the two variables. In terms of regression analysis, the findings revealed that SU showed a good relationship between independent and dependant variables while the TUK had a weak influence.
LEARNING WHAT WORKS: KNOWLEDGE EXCHANGE AND NETWORKING AMONG THE SCIENCE SYSTEM ACTORS IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA
(ACTS, 2020) Kwanya, Tom; Ozor, Nicholas; Ozor, Gloria Nwandu
Abstract Knowledge exchange and networking (KEN) is a process which brings together researchers, users of research and wider public and private groups, communities and entrepreneurial individuals to exchange ideas, evidence and expertise. KEN is about developing mutually beneficial partnerships to support innovation and find solutions to the most pressing global challenges. Done effectively, it allows all participants to add value and impact to new ideas through engagement and collaboration. Ultimately, KEN has the capacity to drive transformational impact and enhance the societal application and benefits of African research. This chapter explores key concepts of and mechanisms for KEN, and identifies the mechanisms which work most effectively in an African context with particular focus on the science granting councils (SGCs) and other science system actors in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This chapter reviews and recommends good practices for sustaining KEN in order to co-create, share, and domesticate knowledge and its products among the target beneficiaries. It further explores the opportunities for embedding and sustaining networks to support knowledge exchange within the science system. The chapter identifies the benefits and challenges of KEN with a view to providing sustainable solutions to Africa’s science system. The chapter finally draws practical lessons from the Science Granting Councils Initiative in sub-Saharan Africa (SGCI) to embellish how KEN has enhanced uptake, capacities and capabilities among the SGCs and other science system actors in SSA.
Trends, patterns and determinants of research productivity at the Technical University of Kenya
(SAGE, 2020-12-03) Kwanya, Tom; Abok, Villary Atieno; Onyancha, Omwoyo Bosire
Abstract This paper explores the trends, patterns and determinants of research productivity at the Technical University of Kenya (TU-K). It analyses the research output of full-time academic staff collected from Google Scholar using Harzing’s “Publish or Perish” software. Further information was obtained from the top ten researchers based on productivity from the analysed research output. Additional information was obtained from purposively sampled officers of the university, including the Deputy Vice-Chancellor in charge of Academics, Research and Students; three executive deans of faculties; and the Director of Research and Knowledge Exchange. The study revealed gradual growth in research productivity at TU-K. The study also revealed that insufficient funding, lack of motivation, limited time and lack of equipment are some of the factors affecting research productivity at TU-K. Full implementation of performance contracting targets and establishment of the Directorate of Research and Knowledge Exchange are some of the strategies being implemented to increase research output, visibility and impact. The authors recommend that the university should nurture interest in, as well as enhance capability for inquiry and investigation to increase research productivity. The university should also create mechanisms for building intrinsic motivation and address the extrinsic factors in order to catapult research productivity.
Towards a Knowledge Recipe for State Corporations in the Financial Sector in Kenya
(International Journal of Knowledge Content Development & Technology, 2020-07-14) Kwanya, Tom; Moturi, H.; Chebon, P
Knowledge recipes are packages of knowledge which arise from the process of combining the knowledge assets in the organization in distinctive ways. This involves converting them into useful outputs which are the ideal core competitive advantage enablers for companies. The major objective of this study was to propose a knowledge recipe for financial-sector state corporations in Kenya. The study adopted a convergent parallel mixed methods research design. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected using questionnaires and key informant interviews. The target population of the study was 1574 respondents drawn from all financial state corporations. A multistage sampling technique was used for the study. The first phase involved purposive sampling of the organizations to be studied whereby the four state corporations namely: Capital Markets Authority, Competition Authority of Kenya, Kenya Investment Authority, and Kenya Revenue Authority were identified. The second phase entailed stratified sampling of the respondents in three strata namely senior management team, knowledge management team, and general staff. The authors used a census of all senior management team and knowledge management staff while a simple random sampling technique was used for the general staff. By use of the Krejcie and Morgan table, the actual sample size was 358 respondents from all the four organizations. Data were collected using questionnaires and interview schedules. The qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis while the quantitative data were analyzed by the use of Ms. Excel and VOSviewer and presented using pie charts, bar graphs, and tables. The response rate for this study was 257 (72%). The study revealed that while most employees in the financial sector organizations understand their knowledge needs, knowledge types, knowledge uses and knowledge gaps, they do not have a universal knowledge recipe to facilitate effective knowledge management in their organizations. Consequently, the authors propose a universal knowledge recipe for the state corporations in the financial sector in Kenya. The ingredients of the recipe are legal-knowledge (18%), financial knowledge (15%), administrative knowledge (11%), best practice (10%), lessons learnt (8%), human resource knowledge (8%), research and statistics knowledge (7%), product knowledge (6%), policy and procedure knowledge (5%), ICT knowledge (4%), investor knowledge (3%), markets knowledge (2%), general knowledge (2%) and regulatory framework knowledge (1%).
Tacit knowledge management at universities in Kenya
(International Institute for Applied Knowledge Management, 2020) Kwanya, Tom; Murumba, Joan Wakasa; Maina, Jane Cherono; Wangamati, Aleso S.
Tacit Knowledge (TK) is a resource that is embodied within individuals in the form of experiences, ideas, beliefs, values, and norms. The specific objectives of this study were to examine TK assets at universities in Kenya and establish how TK is managed at universities in Kenya. Qualitative research approach was adopted and multiple case studies through purposive sampling to explore how universities in Kenya are managing their TK. Data was collected through interviews from 39 key informants from the four case study sites. Data was analysed using; conversation analysis, computer assisted qualitative data analysis, and chi-square tests. This study is important because TK is quite essential for institutional functioning and progress. This study identifies human, innovation, and relational capital as assets that have helped institutions to grow in terms of work processes, decision making and creation of new products and/or services. Institutions may need to develop TK assets as tools of their core development goals. The findings of this study can influence TK management policy formulation.
Knowledge Sharing and Diffusion strategies in Savings and Credit Cooperatives in Kenya
(African Journal of Co-operative Development and Technology, 2019) Kwanya, Tom; Wasinda, Jackline Awino
Abstract Successful SACCOs generate, share and diffuse unique knowledge within their value chains. This study investigated the strategies successful SACCOs use to share and diffuse the knowledge they generate or gather as a means of enhancing their sustainability. Data for this study was collected through structured interviews from 30 employees of select successful SACCOs in Kenya using online structured questionnaires. The SACCOs were selected based on their annual financial turnover, membership size and staff establishment. Additional data was collected from relevant organisational as well as government and other reports. The findings show that SACCOs in Kenya currently hold knowledge in the form of business products and services; legal and compliance requirements; operational knowledge; markets; relational knowledge on networks and contacts; and institutional memory. Discussion forums and conferences are the most popular knowledge sharing strategies used by successful SACCOs in Kenya while the least popular strategies are storytelling, knowledge café; log files; exit interviews; and demonstrations. Mobile phones are the most popular tools used by SACCOs for knowledge sharing and diffusion. Organisational culture and leadership greatly influence knowledge sharing and diffusion in SACCOs in Kenya.
Knowledge Ambassadors: Enhancing Tacit Knowledge Transfer in Kenyan Universities
(Springer International Publishing, 2015) Kwanya, Tom; Kibe, Lucy
Abstract. Universities in Kenya have invested in library services and resources to support their teaching and learning activities. However, these resources are not used adequately leading some universities to develop partnership programmes with students, known as knowledge ambassadors, to educate their peers about library resources and services available in their institutions. This study sought to describe the concept of knowledge ambassadors from a knowledge management perspective; investigate where and how it has been deployed in universities in Kenya; analyse how effective knowledge ambassador programmes in Kenyan universities have been; identify the challenges affecting its effective use for tacit knowledge creation and sharing; and propose strategies which can be used by academic institutions in Kenya to enhance the effectiveness of their knowledge ambassador programmes. Primary data was collected through interviews with knowledge ambassadors and librarians selected through information-oriented purposive sampling from four public universities in Kenya. The findings indicate that eight private and public universities in Kenya have launched knowledge ambassador programmes. The benefits of the programmes include increased usage of the information resources by users in the institutions as well as deepened user participation in the design, development and deployment of library services and products. The findings also revealed that the impact of the programmes is hampered by time constraints; misconception about the expectations of the ambassadors; inadequate infrastructure; and inadequate funding. These findings can be used by universities in Kenya to develop policy frameworks which leverage the impact of knowledge ambassador programmes on tacit knowledge creation, validation, sharing and use.
INFORMATION SEEKING BEHAVIOUR OF PRIVATE SCHOOL STUDENTS IN KENYA
(EDULIB, 2019-04-08) Kwanya, Tom; Nyariki, Phylis
Information seeking behaviour is the collection of actions which people take to identify, seek, evaluate, select and use information to satisfy their information needs. People seek information to enable them to deal with a current need or build their knowledge base. Private school students in Kenya have unique demographic and psychographic attributes defined by their age and geographical contexts. These attributes influence their information needs as well as information seeking behaviour. This study analysed the demographic and psychographic attributes of private school students in Kenya as well as investigated the students’ information needs and information seeking behaviour. The study was conducted as a descriptive survey. Data was collected from 103 students using self-administered questionnaires hosted on Google Forms. The findings indicate that the majority of the students used the library at least once a month. Similarly, most of the students used the library to support their class work. The Internet was the most important source of information from which the majority of the students began their information search. Most of the students were disappointed, frustrated or confused while using the library. Nonetheless, they often got the information they needed and perceived the library as useful.
Effects of Tacit Knowledge on the Performance of Selected Universities in Kenya
(sciendo, 2020) Kwanya, Tom; MURUMBA, Joan Wakasa; MAINA, Jane Cherono
Abstract: Tacit knowledge (TK) is non-codified and personal (sticky) knowledge that is difficult to transfer. TK cannot be said to be significant if there is a lack of tangible contributions. Universities can only realize such returns when there is growth in terms of (financial base, products, processes, customer base, employees’ loyalty) financial and non-financial indicators. The main objective of the research was to evaluate the effect of TK on organizational performance in selected universities in Kenya. The study adopted a mixed research approach as informed by pragmatism research paradigm. Data was collected from a study population of 65 respondents from four study sites which were Kibabii University, University of Nairobi, KCA University, and the University of Eastern Africa, Baraton. Semi-structured questionnaires were administered to academic deans; directors of research, innovation, and ICT; and heads of library services as well as planning and administration. Qualitative data was analyzed through conversation analysis, content analysis, and R which is a computer-assisted data analysis software. Chi-square tests, as well as multinomial logistic regression, were used for the quantitative data analysis. The findings of this study indicate that universities value TK as a key asset for organizational performance. The study identified TK as an asset that has helped institutions to grow in terms of work processes, decision making, and the creation of new products and/or services.
Big Data in Land Records Management in Kenya: A Fit and Viability Analysis
(Springer International Publishing, 2014) Kwanya, Tom
Abstract. Big data is data whose size is beyond the ability of commonly used software tools to capture, manage, and process within tolerable time. The concept of big data has been necessitated by the growing capacity of the available information systems to facilitate the capture, processing, storage and use of large volumes of variable but credible data fast enough to generate optimum value for the users. Land records in Kenya have been over the years managed through paper based systems which are vulnerable to loss, wear and tear, compromise and poor usability. Consequently, land administration processes became inefficient, time consuming, unreliable, costly and ineffective. To address these challenges, the Government of Kenya in 2007 resolved to automate all land records and transactions by developing and deploying a land information management system founded on big data technology which is capable of holding vast and diverse data sets on land ownership and transactions. The decision to automate land records and transactions was in compliance with the provisions of the country’s National Land Policy launched in 2009. This study assessed how well the technology used by the new electronic system fits the needs and contexts of the users of land records in Kenya. The study was conducted as an exploratory research based on the fit-viability theory. Data for the study was collected using interviews with 48 users of the new land information management system. The findings revealed that big data has a high fit and viability for the performance of land records and transactions management in Kenya. In spite of the high fit and viability, it was noted that the viability of the system is hampered by inadequate infrastructure,skills, organisational culture and organisational structure. Addressing these challenges through essential infrastructure development, institutional strengthening and capacity building will enhance the viability of the land records management system. The findings of this study may be used by policy makers in other developing countries to model big data projects. The findings may also be used by the managers of big data projects to enhance their fit and viability so as to yield optimum impact for their stakeholders.
Maximising the potential of social media to deliver academic library services to students: a case study of The Technical University Of Kenya Library
(2015) Kwanya, Tom; Abok, Villary Atieno
Abstract This study investigated how academic libraries in Kenya can maximise the potential of social media to deliver their services. The objectives of the study were to identify the various forms of social media utilised in academic libraries; explain how these social media are used to support the delivery of library services; ascertain the benefits academic libraries accrue from the use of social media; identify the challenges which hamper effective use of social media in academic libraries; and propose strategies which the academic libraries can employ to enhance the outcomes of their social media use. This research was a case study of The Technical University of Kenya library in Nairobi, Kenya. Primary data was collected from 23 knowledge ambassadors, who are student library champions, and three librarians selected through information-oriented purposive sampling. The findings revealed that academic libraries in Kenya are currently using Facebook, WhatsApp, YouTube and Twitter to facilitate the sharing of information resources, provision of reference services, formation of professional networks, and promotion of library services. The findings also indicate that the use of social media in academic libraries in Kenya has enhanced interactions between librarians and library users; saved the time for searching, accessing and using information; reduced costs associated with space; and enhanced the promotion of library services and products. Nonetheless, lack of adequate ICT infrastructure and human resources are hampering the effective adoption of social media in the libraries. Academic libraries in Kenya are advised to invest more resources in infrastructural development, capacity building and hiring of more staff to enhance their social media use outcomes. The findings of this study may be used by academic librarians to apply social media in the design and delivery of information services and products effectively.

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