I am a social innovator, researcher and full-time faculty member at the Technical University of Mombasa. I have a Bachelors degree in Computer Science, a Masters degree in Business Administration (Management Information Systems) and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Business Information Systems.Within the Information Systems field, my research interests revolve around ICT for Development (ICT4D), Social Innovation, Blue Economy Innovation and Justice Innovation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN SOCIAL SCIENCE (IJRISS), 2024
This paper proposes a novel conceptualisation that holistically places the Information and Commun... more This paper proposes a novel conceptualisation that holistically places the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Artefact in Capability Approach (CA). The conceptualisation harmonises the different views about technology within CA-based frameworks in ICT4D, in order to address the inconsistencies. To demonstrate the utility of the conceptualisation, while simultaneously addressing the highest thematic research gap among post-2015 ICT4D research priorities, the study collected primary data from users of Pay-As-You-Go (PAYGO) solar kits who reside in rural Kenya. Using the conceptualisation, the study demonstrated that the ICT-artefact can holistically be placed within three of CA’s concepts: under material resources as a capability input; as a new category of conversion factors (technological factors); and as a component within the structural context. The study further demonstrated how the same ICT artefact could play out in the three different conceptualisations, resulting in different development outcomes. The study finally presents the implications for policy and practice.
World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2024
Despite the benefits of having an innovation hub in a university and the calls by the stakeholder... more Despite the benefits of having an innovation hub in a university and the calls by the stakeholders in the Technical University of Mombasa (TUM) Strategic Plan 2018-2022, there is no conducive physical space within the university that supports multidisciplinary TUM researchers to converge among themselves or with external stakeholders, to continuously brainstorm and co-create innovative solutions. As a response to these calls, this study explores innovation hubs and centres in top universities, with the aim to draw lessons and inspiration of setting up one at TUM. This study adopts exploratory research design. By being part of a broader research study, empirical data will not be collected and analysed at this stage. With the insights from the review, the study proposes the repurposing of an existing building space within TUM into a physical innovation hub. We envision that the innovation hub will contribute to the following lasting benefits for TUM: enhance TUM’s contribution to a better society; increase TUM’s reputation; enhance the quality of TUM’s research; as well as generate income for TUM.
Open Access Research Journal of Science and Technology, 2024
Kenya’s marine fisheries sector has the potential for increased growth. However, fisheries manage... more Kenya’s marine fisheries sector has the potential for increased growth. However, fisheries managers in Kenya currently face the challenge of poor, missing or aggregated catch data. This paper explores Information and Communication Technology (ICT)-based solutions in the fisheries sector. The study adopts exploratory research design. It reports a review and analysis of two ICT-based solutions in the fisheries sector, conducted in the year 2020. From the analysis, the study proposes the development of M-Fisheries Prototype, as an answer to the challenges of the two reviewed solutions. The prototype introduces an SMS/USSD app for data collection. The SMS/USSD app aligns to the mobile-rich but internet-poor context of the fish landing sites, as it addresses the challenges of the other mobile-based systems that only require the use of smartphones. These challenges include infrastructural accessibility, technical usability and internet data costs.
Information and Communication Technology for Development (ICT4D) is argued to have high potential... more Information and Communication Technology for Development (ICT4D) is argued to have high potential value across all sectors, both public and private; and at multiple levels, be it fighting poverty; improving healthcare; providing better education; fostering gender equality or extending global partnerships for development. Despite this significance and huge potential, it is still not clear, to what extent ICTs are contributing to development, especially that of the relatively poor members of the society. Affordances Theory which has roots in ecological psychology has in the recent past been used in Information Systems (IS) research. This paper explores how affordances theory has been used in ICT4D research. A review of literature was conducted and recommendations made
Sen’s Capability Approach (CA) has emerged as holistic lenses for theorising development within I... more Sen’s Capability Approach (CA) has emerged as holistic lenses for theorising development within Information and Communication Technology for Development (ICT4D) discourses. There is ongoing research on operationalising CA for ICT, with a number of frameworks having been developed. However, there seems to be minimal usage of these frameworks when CA is applied on ICT4D studies. This paper explores lessons that can be advanced from Theory of Change (TOC) approach to strengthen the methodology and operationalisation of CA, in relation to evaluating ICT-enabled interventions. We give an overview of the two approaches and their application. Three areas are discerned, where TOC can contribute to CA: Methodologically, by providing steps that are more accessible and clearer to the public; by providing an avenue for evaluating personal decisions; and by providing a diagrammatic way of presenting results from an evaluation, in addition to the narrative. This is a far more powerful communicati...
This paper aims to explore the academic literature in Information and Communication Technology fo... more This paper aims to explore the academic literature in Information and Communication Technology for Development (ICT4D). It seeks to find out how Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and mobile technologies have been used to enhance the provision of utility services (energy, water and sanitation). We systematically searched through 1263 academic research papers from five top ICT4D journals and one Mobile Communication for Development conference series over the last decade (2008-2017). Only six papers were found to have discussed the use of ICTs in the provision of utility services in a broad way. This dearth of academic research moved us to further explore how practitioners have handled research in the same field. The literature from practitioners shows a lot of potential in the use of mobile technology in supporting the infrastructure used to provide utility services, because most of the people lacking these services are connected to the mobile infrastructure. Their access to the mobile network presents an opportunity to innovate and leverage on the mobile technology and infrastructure to efficiently provide these utility services. Companies leveraging mobile technologies to provide utility services have also attracted significant funding in the recent past, demonstrating investor confidence in this sector. We therefore present a case for the inclusion of mUtilities as a viable empirical testbed within the M4D and ICT4D academic literature. Keywords: M4D, ICT4D, mUtilities, Energy, Water, Sanitation, PAYG Solar
We seek to bring convenience and efficiency in the process of accessing justice through the court... more We seek to bring convenience and efficiency in the process of accessing justice through the courts of law. A lot of time and money is wasted when litigants travel long distances to visit court registries, in order to know the status of their cases. It is also very inconveniencing and frustrating for litigants when they travel for long, only to find that the judicial officer handling their case had given notice that there will not be any sitting on a particular date. In this project, we are developing an integrated solution to these challenges, dubbed FAMALIA. It is a web and SMSbased application that electronically manages the court cases by the Kenyan Judiciary. Litigants and interested parties can access the system via SMS. So far, details of over 28,000 cases have been entered into the system. It is expected that the system will greatly improve access to justice. Relevance to innovation. Famalia is an innovative service within the judicial process in Kenya. It provides a new way ...
This paper proposes a framework that holistically places the Information and Communication Techno... more This paper proposes a framework that holistically places the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Artefact in Capability Approach (CA). The framework harmonises the different conceptualisations of technology within CA-based frameworks in ICT4D, in order to address the inconsistencies. To illustrate the framework, while simultaneously addressing the highest thematic research gap among post-2015 ICT4D research priorities, the study collected primary data from users of PayAs-You-Go (PAYGO) Solar Home Systems who reside in rural Kenya. Using the framework, the study revealed that the ICT-artefact can holistically be conceptualised within three of CA’s concepts: under material resources as a capability input; as a new category of conversion factors (technological conversion factors); and as a component within the structural context. The study further demonstrated how the same ICT artefact could play out in the three different conceptualisations, resulting in different developme...
Sen's Capability Approach (CA) has emerged as holistic lenses for theorising development within I... more Sen's Capability Approach (CA) has emerged as holistic lenses for theorising development within Information and Communication Technology for Development (ICT4D) discourses. There is ongoing research on operationalising CA for ICT, with a number of frameworks having been developed. However, there seems to be minimal usage of these frameworks. This paper explores how the ICT artefact has been conceptualised in these CA-based ICT4D frameworks. This paper gives an overview of CA and then makes a critical review of six CA-based ICT4D frameworks. Research gaps are identified from the review. The paper recommends the development of a framework that holistically conceptualises the ICT artefact in CA. This will be beneficial to ICT4D researchers, practitioners and policy-makers. It will help them to empirically analyse the contribution of existing ICT-enabled interventions towards development outcomes. The providers of the ICT artefacts will be able to consider how the ICT artefact plays out in the development journey of their customers. The framework could also be helpful in formulating policies that will ensure implementation of ICT4D interventions which will expand people's capabilities.
Information and Communication Technology for Development (ICT4D) is argued to have high potential... more Information and Communication Technology for Development (ICT4D) is argued to have high potential value across all sectors, both public and private; and at multiple levels, be it fighting poverty; improving healthcare; providing better education; fostering gender equality or extending global partnerships for development. Despite this significance and huge potential, it is still not clear, to what extent ICTs are contributing to development, especially that of the relatively poor members of the society. Affordances Theory which has roots in ecological psychology has in the recent past been used in Information Systems (IS) research. This paper explores how affordances theory has been used in ICT4D research. A review of literature was conducted and recommendations made
This paper examined the effect of ICT applications and their frequency of usage on customer servi... more This paper examined the effect of ICT applications and their frequency of usage on customer service delivery in Machakos County Government (MCG). The ICT applications included Mobile Point of Sale (M-POS) for revenue and parking fees collection, CCTV security surveillance system in different sub-counties within Machakos County and the Help Desk System. Self-administered questionnaires and interviews were used to collect primary data from 57 employees of MCG and 100 service seekers (traders and vehicle owners who pay parking fees). The research study established that there exists a strong positive relationship between ICT applications and their usage (r = 0.795, P = 0.000) and customer service delivery. The paper recommends that county governments fully adopt ICTs by allocating funds and goodwill towards the development and maintenance of ICT system applications.
The main purpose of this study was to establish the effect of ICT related training on customer se... more The main purpose of this study was to establish the effect of ICT related training on customer service delivery in Machakos County, Kenya. Being a descriptive and correlational cross-sectional survey, self-administered questionnaires and interviews were used to collect primary data from the respondents. The collected data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Significant variations between groups were determined using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Pearson correlation was also used to examine relationships among variables. The study concluded that there is a strong positive relationship between ICT related training for staff (r=0.752, p =0.000) and customer service delivery. The study recommends that County Governments allocate more funds towards ICT related training for their staff and where possible, the ICT related training should be sponsored by the government to ensure uniformity in the training for its staff based on identified needs.
6th International Conference on M4D Mobile Communication Technology for Development, 2018
This paper aims to explore the academic literature in Information and Communication Technology fo... more This paper aims to explore the academic literature in Information and Communication Technology for Development (ICT4D). It seeks to find out how Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and mobile technologies have been used to enhance the provision of utility services (energy, water and sanitation). We systematically searched through 1263 academic research papers from five top ICT4D journals and one Mobile Communication for Development conference series over the last decade (2008-2017). Only six papers were found to have discussed the use of ICTs in the provision of utility services in a broad way. This dearth of academic research moved us to further explore how practitioners have handled research in the same field. The literature from practitioners shows a lot of potential in the use of mobile technology in supporting the infrastructure used to provide utility services, because most of the people lacking these services are connected to the mobile infrastructure. Their access to the mobile network presents an opportunity to innovate and leverage on the mobile technology and infrastructure to efficiently provide these utility services. Companies leveraging mobile technologies to provide utility services have also attracted significant funding in the recent past, demonstrating investor confidence in this sector. We therefore present a case for the inclusion of mUtilities as a viable empirical testbed within the M4D and ICT4D academic literature.
Keywords: M4D, ICT4D, mUtilities, Energy, Water, Sanitation, PAYG Solar
This paper proposes a framework that holistically places the Information and Communication Techno... more This paper proposes a framework that holistically places the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Artefact in Capability Approach (CA). The framework harmonises the different conceptualisations of technology within CA-based frameworks in ICT4D, in order to address the inconsistencies. To illustrate the framework, while simultaneously addressing the highest thematic research gap among post-2015 ICT4D research priorities, the study collected primary data from users of Pay-As-You-Go (PAYGO) Solar Home Systems who reside in rural Kenya. Using the framework, the study revealed that the ICT-artefact can holistically be conceptualised within three of CA’s concepts: under material resources as a capability input; as a new category of conversion factors (technological conversion factors); and as a component within the structural context. The study further demonstrated how the same ICT artefact could play out in the three different conceptualisations, resulting in different development outcomes for individuals. The study finally presents the implications for policy and practice.
Keywords: ICT Artefact, ICT4D, PAYGO Solar, Kenya, Development Outcomes
Sen's Capability Approach (CA) has emerged as holistic lenses for theorising development within I... more Sen's Capability Approach (CA) has emerged as holistic lenses for theorising development within Information and Communication Technology for Development (ICT4D) discourses. There is ongoing research on operationalising CA for ICT, with a number of frameworks having been developed. However, there seems to be minimal usage of these frameworks when CA is applied on ICT4D studies. This paper explores lessons that can be advanced from Theory of Change (TOC) approach to strengthen the methodology and operationalisation of CA, in relation to evaluating ICT-enabled interventions. We give an overview of the two approaches and their application. Three areas are discerned, where TOC can contribute to CA: Methodologically, by providing steps that are more accessible and clearer to the public; by providing an avenue for evaluating personal decisions; and by providing a diagrammatic way of presenting results from an evaluation, in addition to the narrative. This is a far more powerful communication tool compared to having the narrative alone.
We seek to bring convenience and efficiency in the process of accessing justice through the court... more We seek to bring convenience and efficiency in the process of accessing justice through the courts of law. A lot of time and money is wasted when litigants travel long distances to visit court registries, in order to know the status of their cases. It is also very inconveniencing and frustrating for litigants when they travel for long, only to find that the judicial officer handling their case had given notice that there will not be any sitting on a particular date. In this project, we are developing an integrated solution to these challenges, dubbed FAMALIA. It is a web and SMS-based application that electronically manages the court cases by the Kenyan Judiciary. Litigants and interested parties can access the system via SMS. So far, details of over 28,000 cases have been entered into the system. It is expected that the system will greatly improve access to justice. Relevance to innovation. Famalia is an innovative service within the judicial process in Kenya. It provides a new way of accessing case related information in a convenient, efficient and timely manner. It is a premier solution not only in Kenya but also in the region. By using SMS, Famalia provides social impact by being accessible to even the marginalized people who may not access the courts easily. It is accessible to anyone who can access a phone. With the judicial process being similar all over the country and in neighbouring countries, the solution is replicable and has potential for scaling.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN SOCIAL SCIENCE (IJRISS), 2024
This paper proposes a novel conceptualisation that holistically places the Information and Commun... more This paper proposes a novel conceptualisation that holistically places the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Artefact in Capability Approach (CA). The conceptualisation harmonises the different views about technology within CA-based frameworks in ICT4D, in order to address the inconsistencies. To demonstrate the utility of the conceptualisation, while simultaneously addressing the highest thematic research gap among post-2015 ICT4D research priorities, the study collected primary data from users of Pay-As-You-Go (PAYGO) solar kits who reside in rural Kenya. Using the conceptualisation, the study demonstrated that the ICT-artefact can holistically be placed within three of CA’s concepts: under material resources as a capability input; as a new category of conversion factors (technological factors); and as a component within the structural context. The study further demonstrated how the same ICT artefact could play out in the three different conceptualisations, resulting in different development outcomes. The study finally presents the implications for policy and practice.
World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2024
Despite the benefits of having an innovation hub in a university and the calls by the stakeholder... more Despite the benefits of having an innovation hub in a university and the calls by the stakeholders in the Technical University of Mombasa (TUM) Strategic Plan 2018-2022, there is no conducive physical space within the university that supports multidisciplinary TUM researchers to converge among themselves or with external stakeholders, to continuously brainstorm and co-create innovative solutions. As a response to these calls, this study explores innovation hubs and centres in top universities, with the aim to draw lessons and inspiration of setting up one at TUM. This study adopts exploratory research design. By being part of a broader research study, empirical data will not be collected and analysed at this stage. With the insights from the review, the study proposes the repurposing of an existing building space within TUM into a physical innovation hub. We envision that the innovation hub will contribute to the following lasting benefits for TUM: enhance TUM’s contribution to a better society; increase TUM’s reputation; enhance the quality of TUM’s research; as well as generate income for TUM.
Open Access Research Journal of Science and Technology, 2024
Kenya’s marine fisheries sector has the potential for increased growth. However, fisheries manage... more Kenya’s marine fisheries sector has the potential for increased growth. However, fisheries managers in Kenya currently face the challenge of poor, missing or aggregated catch data. This paper explores Information and Communication Technology (ICT)-based solutions in the fisheries sector. The study adopts exploratory research design. It reports a review and analysis of two ICT-based solutions in the fisheries sector, conducted in the year 2020. From the analysis, the study proposes the development of M-Fisheries Prototype, as an answer to the challenges of the two reviewed solutions. The prototype introduces an SMS/USSD app for data collection. The SMS/USSD app aligns to the mobile-rich but internet-poor context of the fish landing sites, as it addresses the challenges of the other mobile-based systems that only require the use of smartphones. These challenges include infrastructural accessibility, technical usability and internet data costs.
Information and Communication Technology for Development (ICT4D) is argued to have high potential... more Information and Communication Technology for Development (ICT4D) is argued to have high potential value across all sectors, both public and private; and at multiple levels, be it fighting poverty; improving healthcare; providing better education; fostering gender equality or extending global partnerships for development. Despite this significance and huge potential, it is still not clear, to what extent ICTs are contributing to development, especially that of the relatively poor members of the society. Affordances Theory which has roots in ecological psychology has in the recent past been used in Information Systems (IS) research. This paper explores how affordances theory has been used in ICT4D research. A review of literature was conducted and recommendations made
Sen’s Capability Approach (CA) has emerged as holistic lenses for theorising development within I... more Sen’s Capability Approach (CA) has emerged as holistic lenses for theorising development within Information and Communication Technology for Development (ICT4D) discourses. There is ongoing research on operationalising CA for ICT, with a number of frameworks having been developed. However, there seems to be minimal usage of these frameworks when CA is applied on ICT4D studies. This paper explores lessons that can be advanced from Theory of Change (TOC) approach to strengthen the methodology and operationalisation of CA, in relation to evaluating ICT-enabled interventions. We give an overview of the two approaches and their application. Three areas are discerned, where TOC can contribute to CA: Methodologically, by providing steps that are more accessible and clearer to the public; by providing an avenue for evaluating personal decisions; and by providing a diagrammatic way of presenting results from an evaluation, in addition to the narrative. This is a far more powerful communicati...
This paper aims to explore the academic literature in Information and Communication Technology fo... more This paper aims to explore the academic literature in Information and Communication Technology for Development (ICT4D). It seeks to find out how Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and mobile technologies have been used to enhance the provision of utility services (energy, water and sanitation). We systematically searched through 1263 academic research papers from five top ICT4D journals and one Mobile Communication for Development conference series over the last decade (2008-2017). Only six papers were found to have discussed the use of ICTs in the provision of utility services in a broad way. This dearth of academic research moved us to further explore how practitioners have handled research in the same field. The literature from practitioners shows a lot of potential in the use of mobile technology in supporting the infrastructure used to provide utility services, because most of the people lacking these services are connected to the mobile infrastructure. Their access to the mobile network presents an opportunity to innovate and leverage on the mobile technology and infrastructure to efficiently provide these utility services. Companies leveraging mobile technologies to provide utility services have also attracted significant funding in the recent past, demonstrating investor confidence in this sector. We therefore present a case for the inclusion of mUtilities as a viable empirical testbed within the M4D and ICT4D academic literature. Keywords: M4D, ICT4D, mUtilities, Energy, Water, Sanitation, PAYG Solar
We seek to bring convenience and efficiency in the process of accessing justice through the court... more We seek to bring convenience and efficiency in the process of accessing justice through the courts of law. A lot of time and money is wasted when litigants travel long distances to visit court registries, in order to know the status of their cases. It is also very inconveniencing and frustrating for litigants when they travel for long, only to find that the judicial officer handling their case had given notice that there will not be any sitting on a particular date. In this project, we are developing an integrated solution to these challenges, dubbed FAMALIA. It is a web and SMSbased application that electronically manages the court cases by the Kenyan Judiciary. Litigants and interested parties can access the system via SMS. So far, details of over 28,000 cases have been entered into the system. It is expected that the system will greatly improve access to justice. Relevance to innovation. Famalia is an innovative service within the judicial process in Kenya. It provides a new way ...
This paper proposes a framework that holistically places the Information and Communication Techno... more This paper proposes a framework that holistically places the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Artefact in Capability Approach (CA). The framework harmonises the different conceptualisations of technology within CA-based frameworks in ICT4D, in order to address the inconsistencies. To illustrate the framework, while simultaneously addressing the highest thematic research gap among post-2015 ICT4D research priorities, the study collected primary data from users of PayAs-You-Go (PAYGO) Solar Home Systems who reside in rural Kenya. Using the framework, the study revealed that the ICT-artefact can holistically be conceptualised within three of CA’s concepts: under material resources as a capability input; as a new category of conversion factors (technological conversion factors); and as a component within the structural context. The study further demonstrated how the same ICT artefact could play out in the three different conceptualisations, resulting in different developme...
Sen's Capability Approach (CA) has emerged as holistic lenses for theorising development within I... more Sen's Capability Approach (CA) has emerged as holistic lenses for theorising development within Information and Communication Technology for Development (ICT4D) discourses. There is ongoing research on operationalising CA for ICT, with a number of frameworks having been developed. However, there seems to be minimal usage of these frameworks. This paper explores how the ICT artefact has been conceptualised in these CA-based ICT4D frameworks. This paper gives an overview of CA and then makes a critical review of six CA-based ICT4D frameworks. Research gaps are identified from the review. The paper recommends the development of a framework that holistically conceptualises the ICT artefact in CA. This will be beneficial to ICT4D researchers, practitioners and policy-makers. It will help them to empirically analyse the contribution of existing ICT-enabled interventions towards development outcomes. The providers of the ICT artefacts will be able to consider how the ICT artefact plays out in the development journey of their customers. The framework could also be helpful in formulating policies that will ensure implementation of ICT4D interventions which will expand people's capabilities.
Information and Communication Technology for Development (ICT4D) is argued to have high potential... more Information and Communication Technology for Development (ICT4D) is argued to have high potential value across all sectors, both public and private; and at multiple levels, be it fighting poverty; improving healthcare; providing better education; fostering gender equality or extending global partnerships for development. Despite this significance and huge potential, it is still not clear, to what extent ICTs are contributing to development, especially that of the relatively poor members of the society. Affordances Theory which has roots in ecological psychology has in the recent past been used in Information Systems (IS) research. This paper explores how affordances theory has been used in ICT4D research. A review of literature was conducted and recommendations made
This paper examined the effect of ICT applications and their frequency of usage on customer servi... more This paper examined the effect of ICT applications and their frequency of usage on customer service delivery in Machakos County Government (MCG). The ICT applications included Mobile Point of Sale (M-POS) for revenue and parking fees collection, CCTV security surveillance system in different sub-counties within Machakos County and the Help Desk System. Self-administered questionnaires and interviews were used to collect primary data from 57 employees of MCG and 100 service seekers (traders and vehicle owners who pay parking fees). The research study established that there exists a strong positive relationship between ICT applications and their usage (r = 0.795, P = 0.000) and customer service delivery. The paper recommends that county governments fully adopt ICTs by allocating funds and goodwill towards the development and maintenance of ICT system applications.
The main purpose of this study was to establish the effect of ICT related training on customer se... more The main purpose of this study was to establish the effect of ICT related training on customer service delivery in Machakos County, Kenya. Being a descriptive and correlational cross-sectional survey, self-administered questionnaires and interviews were used to collect primary data from the respondents. The collected data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Significant variations between groups were determined using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Pearson correlation was also used to examine relationships among variables. The study concluded that there is a strong positive relationship between ICT related training for staff (r=0.752, p =0.000) and customer service delivery. The study recommends that County Governments allocate more funds towards ICT related training for their staff and where possible, the ICT related training should be sponsored by the government to ensure uniformity in the training for its staff based on identified needs.
6th International Conference on M4D Mobile Communication Technology for Development, 2018
This paper aims to explore the academic literature in Information and Communication Technology fo... more This paper aims to explore the academic literature in Information and Communication Technology for Development (ICT4D). It seeks to find out how Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and mobile technologies have been used to enhance the provision of utility services (energy, water and sanitation). We systematically searched through 1263 academic research papers from five top ICT4D journals and one Mobile Communication for Development conference series over the last decade (2008-2017). Only six papers were found to have discussed the use of ICTs in the provision of utility services in a broad way. This dearth of academic research moved us to further explore how practitioners have handled research in the same field. The literature from practitioners shows a lot of potential in the use of mobile technology in supporting the infrastructure used to provide utility services, because most of the people lacking these services are connected to the mobile infrastructure. Their access to the mobile network presents an opportunity to innovate and leverage on the mobile technology and infrastructure to efficiently provide these utility services. Companies leveraging mobile technologies to provide utility services have also attracted significant funding in the recent past, demonstrating investor confidence in this sector. We therefore present a case for the inclusion of mUtilities as a viable empirical testbed within the M4D and ICT4D academic literature.
Keywords: M4D, ICT4D, mUtilities, Energy, Water, Sanitation, PAYG Solar
This paper proposes a framework that holistically places the Information and Communication Techno... more This paper proposes a framework that holistically places the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Artefact in Capability Approach (CA). The framework harmonises the different conceptualisations of technology within CA-based frameworks in ICT4D, in order to address the inconsistencies. To illustrate the framework, while simultaneously addressing the highest thematic research gap among post-2015 ICT4D research priorities, the study collected primary data from users of Pay-As-You-Go (PAYGO) Solar Home Systems who reside in rural Kenya. Using the framework, the study revealed that the ICT-artefact can holistically be conceptualised within three of CA’s concepts: under material resources as a capability input; as a new category of conversion factors (technological conversion factors); and as a component within the structural context. The study further demonstrated how the same ICT artefact could play out in the three different conceptualisations, resulting in different development outcomes for individuals. The study finally presents the implications for policy and practice.
Keywords: ICT Artefact, ICT4D, PAYGO Solar, Kenya, Development Outcomes
Sen's Capability Approach (CA) has emerged as holistic lenses for theorising development within I... more Sen's Capability Approach (CA) has emerged as holistic lenses for theorising development within Information and Communication Technology for Development (ICT4D) discourses. There is ongoing research on operationalising CA for ICT, with a number of frameworks having been developed. However, there seems to be minimal usage of these frameworks when CA is applied on ICT4D studies. This paper explores lessons that can be advanced from Theory of Change (TOC) approach to strengthen the methodology and operationalisation of CA, in relation to evaluating ICT-enabled interventions. We give an overview of the two approaches and their application. Three areas are discerned, where TOC can contribute to CA: Methodologically, by providing steps that are more accessible and clearer to the public; by providing an avenue for evaluating personal decisions; and by providing a diagrammatic way of presenting results from an evaluation, in addition to the narrative. This is a far more powerful communication tool compared to having the narrative alone.
We seek to bring convenience and efficiency in the process of accessing justice through the court... more We seek to bring convenience and efficiency in the process of accessing justice through the courts of law. A lot of time and money is wasted when litigants travel long distances to visit court registries, in order to know the status of their cases. It is also very inconveniencing and frustrating for litigants when they travel for long, only to find that the judicial officer handling their case had given notice that there will not be any sitting on a particular date. In this project, we are developing an integrated solution to these challenges, dubbed FAMALIA. It is a web and SMS-based application that electronically manages the court cases by the Kenyan Judiciary. Litigants and interested parties can access the system via SMS. So far, details of over 28,000 cases have been entered into the system. It is expected that the system will greatly improve access to justice. Relevance to innovation. Famalia is an innovative service within the judicial process in Kenya. It provides a new way of accessing case related information in a convenient, efficient and timely manner. It is a premier solution not only in Kenya but also in the region. By using SMS, Famalia provides social impact by being accessible to even the marginalized people who may not access the courts easily. It is accessible to anyone who can access a phone. With the judicial process being similar all over the country and in neighbouring countries, the solution is replicable and has potential for scaling.
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Keywords: M4D, ICT4D, mUtilities, Energy, Water, Sanitation, PAYG Solar
Keywords: ICT Artefact, ICT4D, PAYGO Solar, Kenya, Development Outcomes
Keywords: M4D, ICT4D, mUtilities, Energy, Water, Sanitation, PAYG Solar
Keywords: ICT Artefact, ICT4D, PAYGO Solar, Kenya, Development Outcomes