An enhanced model for adoption of local software: A case of Kenya

Abstract

The share of developing countries in the global software market has risen and now accounts for around 5 percent of sales. A small number of developing countries have successfully developed their own software industries and have continued to strengthen the sector even after 2000. However, many customers in Kenya frequently opt for better packaged and marketed software from India, US or UK, even when these have to be overhauled to suit the Kenyan market. In doing so, the customers deny the local products the much needed breathe of life that is required to enable them to survive in the competitive software marketplace. Relatively little research has examined a framework for the adoption of local software, either as a unique task or in the context of Local software in Kenya. This study attempted to explain how adoption of Local software is affected by the individual, technological, environmental and organizational determinants in Kenya. In this model, explanatory research design was used. The population for this study was the 347 IT and ICT companies which provide ICT services including software services in Kenya. The list was obtained from members of Kenya ICT Providers Association. A sample of 35 managers from firms was taken and also 70 users. Purposive sampling was applied to select the product managers while random sampling was used to select customers. In this study, primary data was collected using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and inferential results were generated. The model was then validated by checking the values of model goodness of fit using AMOS (Analysis of Moment Structures) module which is an add-on module for SPSS.AMOS module was used to perform Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). It is designed primarily for structural equation modeling, path analysis, and covariance structure modeling. Further the model was tested using a simulation tool used to model, simulate and make predictions about uncertain environments. The expected results include a model that can be used to enhance adoption of local software. The research results indicated that individual factors, technological factors, organizational factors and environmental factors were positively correlated with adoption of local software adoption. The model is generic and therefore can be implemented in other developing countries so as to boost the economy of the developing countries.