Using microcomputers in Kenya’s development planning

Abstract

Microcomputers were introduced in the Ministry of Planning and National Development in 1983 in support of national development planning. They are now used daily for word-processing, data management, and spreadsheet analysis. Specialist Applications systems have been developed for particularly demanding information management problems. Microcomputers have greatly facilitated the preparation of 'both the District and the National Development Plans. Reports required by the World Bank on the status of Kenya's external trade are produced regularly. The entire national infrastructure inventory has been computerized, and is updated every six months. Nonetheless, the adoption of microcomputer technology has faced several critical problems. These problems include policy, management, and technical issues. At the policy level, the question is whether a country should set up its own computer industry, control both the costs and the technology, and at the same time handle other issues like labor displacement. At the management level, issues central to the use of the technology have been identified as leadership, training, incentives, and entrenched interests resistant to information technology change. The common technical issues identified include: standardization, service and maintenance, and environment and communication. Kenya has had experiences similar to those of other developing countries. The policy issues include the creation of technological awareness, guidelines for use of microcomputers, incentives, and choosing a suitable computing strategy. Management issues include administrative support, training, work scheduling, and the operational costs of the technology. The technical issue~, which have not been so critical for Kenya, include the working environment, service, maintenance, and standardization. Though the issues have been divided into three discrete categories, an issue may belong to more than one category. For effective use of microcomputers, a computing strategy is essential. Initially, the Ministry of Planning and National Development did not have such a computing strategy. technology This was partly because the microcomputer was relatively new. More recently, however, MOPND has adopted an end-user computing strategy. This approach assumes a certain level of computer literacy which in turn determines the level of technical support to be offered. This support is offered in terms of software and hardware, and requires both a sound service and maintenance facility, and a competent technical support staff. Understanding the capabilities and limitations of the technology is the key to effe~tive management. In particular, there is a need for policy guidelines which clearly delineate the relationship between the technology and the user. The guidelines should address such issues as procurement, staffing requirements, service and maintenance, work scheduling, and operational costs. Exploiting the potential of the technology should be a primary long term objective. This can be done through extending the use of microcomputers to other ministries' planning units, creating District Database Systems, and networking. Further improvement of information processing for development planning purposes will continue with government support for institutionalizing microcomputers.