An Analysis of Factors Affecting the Use of Information and Communication Technologies among Women for Social Empowerment in Murang'a County, Kenya

Abstract

Abstract: Information and communication technologies (ICTs) have been increasingly promoted as a key tool for promoting social and economic development. ICTs have played a major role in poverty eradication and the empowerment of historically disadvantaged groups such as women and the youth. ICT is a significant area of concern for women empowerment and the growth of developing countries like Kenya. This paper focuses on investigating the factors affecting the use of Information and communication technologies among women, and to assess the impact of the use of Information and communication technologies for social empowerment among women in Murang’a County. A descriptive research design was used in this study which involved 140 respondents selected through

stratified random sampling. The study was conducted on women above 18 years of age, and data was collected through self- administered questionnaires. The study analyzed factors affecting the use of ICTs among women for social empowerment including:

women ignorance of the existence of suitable information Communication Technologies, High level of illiteracy, Language barriers, inadequate time to use ICTs, and the high cost of ICTs. The study identified that these factors affect social empowerment of women in Murang’a County. The study recommends that women should be trained on effective use of ICTs and should be provided with resources such as funding and infrastructures.