A CRITICAL EVALUATION OF ICT ADOPTION AND ITS IMPACT ON ELECTORAL PROCESS MANAGEMENT IN KENYA

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

In recent years, the utilisation of emerging technologies has been increasingly prevalent in the facilitation of electoral processes on a global scale. Several nations have used different technological solutions in an effort to enhance the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of elections, as well as to bolster trust among stakeholders throughout the entire political process (Cowan et al., 2015). Various solutions can be employed in the electoral process, encompassing the utilisation of geographic information systems for boundary delimitation and the determination of polling station locations, sophisticated databases for the upkeep of voter registers, mobile technology for the transmission of election results, and electronic voting machines to facilitate citizen participation in casting their ballots. Biometric technology currently holds a prominent position in various electoral procedures worldwide, including voter registration and the verification of potential voters at polling stations throughout election day (Alebiosu, 2015).

The integration of information and communications technology (ICTs) into the political process has garnered significant attention and raised apprehensions among voters and practitioners worldwide. Undoubtedly, technology has significantly contributed to enhancing the efficiency of electoral management bodies (EMBs) in their operational operations. The growing accessibility of the Internet, particularly in developing nations with limited communication infrastructure, is facilitating enhanced internal and external communication for Election Management Bodies (EMBs), hence increasing their overall effectiveness in engaging with stakeholders.

Omoleke (2017) asserts that technology is increasingly contributing to the enhancement of election processes and the establishment of trust among stakeholders. The implementation of biometric technology in voter registration has facilitated electoral management bodies (EMBs) in enhancing the precision of voter registers through the provision of an efficient mechanism for detecting and eliminating duplicate entries within the voter register. The utilisation of biometric technology for the purpose of verifying the identities of voters during the electoral process has furthermore played a role in bolstering confidence in the electoral procedure. In a similar vein, technology is affording Election Management Bodies (EMBs) the means to expedite the counting, tabulation, and transmission of election results. This is achieved by the implementation of electronic voting systems or the utilisation of mobile technology to send election data (Omoleke, 2017). This facilitates the prompt announcement of selection outcomes, so lowering stress in closely contested elections and bolstering confidence in the electoral process. Research indicates that, although its financial implications, the adoption of biometric technology can be a financially viable endeavour for a nation, even if its impact on reducing the occurrence of severe post-election violence is marginal.

It is imperative to conduct an analysis of the potential impact of current technology advancements on electoral integrity and participation, as well as explore methods for their effective integration into the democratic process in a manner that ensures long-term viability. Likewise, the field of cybersecurity is gaining prominence within the discourse around strategies to mitigate election influence or fraud, therefore necessitating the undertaking of this study.

1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

In contemporary society, individuals from numerous nations across the globe heavily depend on a wide range of Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) in their daily lives. These technologies facilitate various activities, including communication, business, banking, education, and leisure (ACE project, 2017). Hence, it is crucial that the conduction of elections aligns with this contemporary reality. Undoubtedly, a significant number of individuals worldwide are embracing a digital future, which extends beyond electoral processes to encompass government-citizen interactions, such as e-citizen initiatives, as well as various types of engagement and advocacy. The utilisation of ICT technical advancements can greatly enhance the quality of governance by improving the credibility and legitimacy of electoral processes, hence promoting electoral integrity. The use of technologies, specifically information and communication technologies (ICTs), is empowering progressive nations to establish unprecedented standards of transparency, thereby easing citizen involvement and providing them with the sophisticated democratic tools they both want and merit (Alebiosu, 2015). The adoption of Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) in electoral processes in numerous African nations is a direct response to previous instances where the management of elections has frequently been marked by charges of manipulation and incidents of violence. According to Alebiosu (2015), the appropriate implementation and utilisation of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) have the potential to enhance and modernise electoral processes, hence bolstering their integrity throughout the African continent.

Interestingly, it is paradoxical that some of the least affluent nations, often lacking a substantial background in democratic voting processes, have exhibited early and enthusiastic adoption of novel electoral technologies. In the aforementioned settings, the deliberate adoption of novel and occasionally expensive technologies is intended to precisely mitigate the lack of confidence among election stakeholders. In numerous instances, however, the efficacy of technology in enhancing trust within a process or effectively resolving the targeted problem is not guaranteed. In several other scenarios, the implementation of technology has been accompanied by thorough research, meticulous planning, rigorous testing, comprehensive training, and effective voter education. However, these efforts have yielded unfavourable outcomes, including diminished trust in the democratic process and escalated expenses within the electoral budget (Omoleke, 2017). Numerous Election Management Bodies (EMBs) currently encounter the task of preserving and renewing software and hardware components, hence giving rise to apprehensions over the long-term viability of certain electoral technologies. It is against this backdrop that this study intends to critically evaluate ICT adoption and its impact on electoral process management in Kenya.

1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The broad objective of this study is to critically evaluate ICT adoption and its impact on electoral process management in Kenya. Specifically, this study aims to:

i.          Find out the extent ICT tools are adopted for the management of electoral process in Kenya

ii.        Identify the contributions of ICT on the effective management of electoral process in Kenya.

iii.      Identify the factors militating the effective use of ICT for electoral management in Kenya

1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS

The following research questions will be answered in this study:

i.          To what extent are ICT tools adopted for the management of electoral process in Kenya?

ii.        What are the contributions of ICT on the effective management of electoral process in Kenya?

iii.      What are the factors militating the effective use of ICT for electoral management in Kenya?

1.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

This research endeavour aims to enhance comprehension of the technological aspects involved in the management of electoral processes, encompassing voter registration, identification, result tabulation and transmission, as well as electronic voting systems. This study will elucidate the difficulties encountered while utilising these technologies, as well as the advantages associated with their implementation in election procedures.

The present study will demonstrate that while the utilisation of integrated technologies can contribute to the attainment of efficiency, cost savings, and the enhancement of electoral process integrity, the sustainable achievement of these objectives poses challenges. Furthermore, this study will function as a crucial piece of existing research that is essential for comprehending technology adoption theories. It aims to enhance our understanding of the various factors that can potentially impact voters' acceptance of these technologies, as well as the potential challenges that may arise in the adoption and utilisation of information and communication technology (ICT) in electoral processes. These processes encompass a wide range of activities, including planning, procurement, training, and the physical characteristics of polling places, all of which play a significant role in shaping voter behaviour.

1.6 SCOPE OF THE STUDY

This study broadly focuses on critically evaluating ICT adoption and its impact on electoral process management in Kenya. Specifically, this study focuses on finding out the extent ICT tools are adopted for the management of electoral process in Kenya, identifying the contributions of ICT on the effective management of electoral process in Kenya and identifying the factors militating the effective use of ICT for electoral management in Kenya.

1.7 LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY

In the course of carrying out this study, the researcher experienced some constraints, which included time constraints, financial constraints, language barriers, and the attitude of the respondents. However, the researcher were able to manage these just to ensure the success of this study.

Moreover, the case study method utilized in the study posed some challenges to the investigator including the possibility of biases and poor judgment of issues. However, the investigator relied on respect for the general principles of procedures, justice, fairness, objectivity in observation and recording, and weighing of evidence to overcome the challenges.

1.8 DEFINITION OF TERMS

Information and communications technology (ICT): is an extensional term for information technology (IT) that stresses the role of unified communications and the integration of telecommunications (telephone lines and wireless signals) and computers, as well as necessary enterprise software, middleware, storage and audiovisual, that enable users to access, store, transmit, understand and manipulate information.

Electoral system: An electoral system or voting system is a set of rules that determine how elections and referendums are conducted and how their results are determined.