With the advent of the new computing technology in Kenya in the last 10-15 years, there have arisen in public universities and other organizations complex and unfamiliar ICT problems. Public universities are at the forefront of the transfer of the new technology in Kenya, both as its users and as its disseminators through teaching and research. The thesis examines ICT issues from the perspective of management and introduces the emerging ICT issues in public universities as a consequence of the new phenomenon. Having explored the problem area, the chapter poses the research question: How can we develop a model of ICT related issues that can enable a public university in Kenya to : (1) Depict its current ICT situation? (2) Qualify its current ICT situation? (3) Define its future ICT situation? (4) Transform its current ICT situation to future ICT situation?
The objectives of the study are first to develop, and secondly to apply, a new model to the new situations. The general aims are to create awareness and to facilitate communication among stakeholders, improve ICT management and to provide a practical tool for practitioners. Literature on current trends in ICT management is reviewed. The model is developed at one public university in Kenya using a framework that combines ICT issues from an earlier pilot study and those from established models, including the management paradigm and ITIL processes. Four functions of the new model are created: depiction of the current situation, qualification of the current situation, definition of the future situation, and the transformation from the current to the future situation. For the qualification function, ICT levels are specified using Capability Maturity Model notions. An automated tool is also developed as an aid for practitioners. The model is applied at two other public universities for validation. The implications of the research for both academicians and practitioners are also discussed. The research findings indicate a lack of balance between effectiveness and efficiency, and between technical and managerial issues. It recommends strong university management commitment and support for ICT in form of funding, training of technical personnel and continued donor support.
