Use Of Information And Communication Technology In Strategic Management Of Small And Medium Enterprises In Trans-Nzoia West Sub –County.

ABSTRACT

Kenya’s economy is heavily dependent on the performance of SMEs which gives the foundation for the upcoming of other sectors. However, the strategic management in many SMEs in Kenya is still being challenged.This study looked into how Information and Communication Technology influences strategic management in SMEs in Trans Nzoia County. The aim of this study was to investigate the use of Information and communication technology on strategic management in SMEs of Trans Nzoia County, Kenya. The specific objectives of the study were to; examine the extent to which Information and communication technology infrastructure influences strategic management in SMEs in Trans Nzoia County, examine ICT resource allocation strategies and its effects on strategic management in SMEs of Trans Nzoia county, find out how staff utilization ability of Information and communication technology facilities influences strategic management in SMEs of Trans Nzoia County and establish the moderating effect of business environment on strategic Management in SMEs of Trans Nzoia County. The study used the theory of Reasoned Action, Configurational Theory and Activity constraints, the study used descriptive design and explanatory research design. It targeted 120 SMES registered in Trans Nzoia County, Kenya and dealt with 120 strategic managers. The study used questionnaires to collect data. Descriptive and inferential statistical techniques were applied to analyze the data. Descriptive statistics included mean and standard deviation while inferential statistics involved both correlation and multiple regression analysis. The study showed results that Information ana communication technology infrastructure influence strategic management of SMEs in Trans Nzoia County, staff allocation ability of Information and communication technology has an influence on strategic management. Business environment has a great effect on operation of SMEs in Trans Nzoia County and if business environment offers negative issues to SMEs then strategic management will get a lot of difficulties to operate. The study recommends that, strategic management of SMEs should employ usage of Information and communication technology. The Information and communication technology infrastructure should be beefed up in strategic management of SMEs. Strategic management has to keenly observe the business environment because it has a lot of effect on SMEs. Future research should investigate on use of Information and communication technology not only in Trans Nzoia County but in other counties. Study findings form a basis of reference by academicians and interested parties in future.