Building strengths in information communication and technology in Kenyan universities: way forward for the 21st century

Abstract

A growing number of Universities are in the process of establishing ICT standards to address information society issues of e-government, e-infrastructure, e-industry, e-learning, and e-commerce. Some large universities are in the process of integrating telecommunications, IT, and broadcasting into a single ICT standard. The use of information and communications technology (ICT) is widespread. ICTs are an essential tool for the efficient administration of an organization, and in the delivery of services to its clients. ICTs are being integrated into procedures, structures, and products throughout business, institutions, and the community. The marriage of information technologies and communications combined with the explosive growth in communication networks, illustrated by the Internet, is resulting in major social and economic changes. There is a revolution in the way we electronically store, access, and deliver information which is critical in shaping the effectiveness of an institution. This is equally true of universities. To take advantage of these technologies and use them effectively, universities need to develop an overall framework and strategy for their application, and to have an organizational structure in place to manage the development of strategies and oversee their implementation. This is particularly necessary given the rapid pace at which these technologies are changing. Governments worldwide have taken responsibility to provide national leadership in the development and application of technology in their countries. It is neither efficient nor desirable to implement ICT projects across government, or in any large organization, without having a policy in place with key strategies specified. These must take account of the government’s economic priorities and need for the efficient use of its own resources. This is being achieved by the establishment of an administrative structure within government, with specific responsibilities to develop a national vision for ICT to prepare an implementation plan with key strategies having specific goals to realize the vision, and an action plan for their achievement. A growing number of universities are in the process of establishing ICT models for the 21st Century. This paper outlines the functional requirements for such a standard, and presents a range of best practices for their focus and operation