ABSTRACT

Information and Communication Technology is being deployed globally by organizations to improve efficiency, customer service and acquire a portion of the global market. It is paramount that organizations that want to maintain competitive edge in this era of cut throat competition embrace Information and Communication Technology as a way of satisfying the ever increasing demands of customers. The performance of CBOs in Kitui County is affected by Governance, efficiency, Political interference, inadequate funding, poor management, communication structures and non-adoption of technology .The aim of this study was therefore to investigate effect of the use of Information and Communication Technology performance of Community Based Organizations in Kitui County, Kenya. The study specifically sought to investigate the effects of Information and Communication Technology infrastructure, Information and Communication Technology skills, Information and Communication Technology services and Government policy on performance of Community Based Organizations in Kitui County, Kenya. The study used descriptive research design. The target population was 168 managers in charge of Community Based Organizations in Kitui County, Kenya. Stratified random sampling was used to select a sample size of 85 Community Based Organizations from where one respondent per Community Based Organizations was chosen. The study used primary data using a questionnaire which contained both closed and open ended questions. The quantitative data was analyzed by use of descriptive statistics which included frequency distribution tables, mean and standard deviation while the qualitative data is presented in prose form. Inferential statistics which entailed use of a regression model to establish the form of relationship between the variables. Tables, charts and graphs were used to present data. The study revealed that Community Based Organizations had insufficient computer hardware resources and that Information and Communication Technology Infrastructure had helped them enhance communication amongst themselves and with other stakeholders.Management supported the Community Based Organizations to undertake preventive maintenance. It was found the staff had adequate Information and Communication Skills and that they were aware of the existence of the Government Information and Communication Technology Policy. The study concluded that the Information and Communication Technology infrastructure, Management support and government. Information and Communication Technology policy influenced the performance of the Community Based Organizations. The national government should subsidize the costs of the computing devices meant for the Community Based Organizations. More investment should be made in computing and human resources in order for the Community Based Organizations to improve their performance.The staff of the Community Based Organizations ought to be regularly undergoing training on Information and Communication Technology in order for them to improve their skills. The Government should consider developing local content in order to facilitate dissemination of information to as many members of Community Based Organizations as possible.