INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION PRACTICES AND PERFORMANCE OF HUMANITARIAN NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS IN KENYA
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Date
2025-04
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Volume Title
Publisher
THE CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY OF EASTERN AFRICA
Abstract
This research explored the effect of information communication technology innovation practices on the performance of humanitarian NGOs in Kenya. The study focused on five specific objectives: assessing the influence of social media on the performance of these organizations; investigating the role of mobile applications in enhancing their performance; evaluating the impact of biometric identification systems; analysing how strategic investments in internet networks contribute to organizational success; and examining how cultural norms moderate the relationship between technological advancements and the performance of humanitarian NGOs in Kenya. The study tested five hypotheses: social media utilization positively influences NGO performance; mobile application adoption enhances organizational performance; biometric identification systems improve performance; strategic internet network investments strengthen performance; and cultural norms moderate the relationship between ICT adoption and NGO performance. Grounded in the Diffusion of Innovation Theory, the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology, the Resource-Based View, and Technology Adoption Theory, the study adopted an empirical positivist approach. The methodology combined quantitative and qualitative methods within a cross-sectional survey design. Data was collected from 283 local and international NGOs operating in Kenya, complemented by interviews with 20 NGO managers. Instrument validity was ensured through expert reviews and pilot testing, while reliability was confirmed with Cronbach’s alpha coefficients exceeding 0.7. Advanced statistical methods, including regression and correlation analyses, were employed to examine the relationships among ICT innovations, adoption, and NGO performance. The findings were significant. Social media utilization was shown to enhance organizational visibility and effectiveness (B = 0.161, p = 0.029). Mobile applications improved operational efficiency (B = 0.277, p = 0.05), while biometric identification systems strengthened security and accountability (B = 0.152, p = 0.032). Investments in internet networks emerged as a critical driver of informed decision-making and organizational success (B = 0.325, p < 0.05). Furthermore, the analysis revealed that cultural norms significantly moderated the relationship between ICT adoption and performance, highlighting the importance of aligning technological solutions with local contexts. The study concluded that ICT innovations, when effectively leveraged, have the potential to transform humanitarian NGOs in Kenya. Social media can amplify visibility, mobile apps can streamline operations, biometric systems can enhance security, and strategic internet investments can drive data-informed decision-making. However, cultural alignment remains crucial to ensure the relevance and sustainability of these technologies.
To this end, the research recommends that NGOs prioritize comprehensive ICT strategies, allocate resources for capacity building, and conduct thorough cultural assessments before implementing new technologies. Engaging with local communities to adapt solutions to their specific needs and preferences is equally essential. By embracing these approaches, humanitarian NGOs can optimize ICT use, enhance accountability, and deliver impactful services to Kenya’s most vulnerable populations. Ultimately, aligning innovation with cultural contexts is vital for sustainable humanitarian success.
Description
Dissertation
Keywords
Information technology innovation, organizational performance, humanitarian non-governmental organizations, digital transformation, innovation practices, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), Kenya