The influence of information and communication technology on the development of strategic goals at Kenya Revenue Authority

Abstract

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is one of the contemporary themes affecting strategy development in a number of organizations at the moment. The reengineering process faced by organizations as a result of ICT raises a number of key questions which include how to take advantage of advances in ICT to make a significant change in the way organizations are doing business so that they can gain a competitive advantage; or should organizations invest and concentrate on ICT to improve their approach to the marketplace; and whether they should centre their efforts around internal improvements in the way they currently carry out the activities of the organization. This study set out to establish the extent to which development of strategic goals at Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) have been influenced by advances in ICT. The research was a case study conducted by collecting primary data from selected employees of KRA through an interview with the aid of a structured interview guide from which findings were deduced. It was established that the development of corporate goals at Kenya Revenue Authority had been influenced to some extent by advances and developments in ICT. On the one hand ICT is directly responsible for the development of some corporate goals, while on the other hand investment in the use of ICT is required for the attainment of some other goals. From the research findings, the researcher recommends an evaluation of the existing ICT investments and the exploration of avenues for their modernization, improvement and enhancement to be institutionalized as part of the goal development process at KRA. The second recommendation is for KRA’s management to continually acquire knowledge, and remain current, on available and emerging ICT technologies, their application as well as business capabilities. This is because some corporate goals are made feasible only through investment in the use of ICT, hence guarding against missed opportunities