Spatial location and role of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in the development of micro and small enterprises (MSEs) cluster: a case of Kariokor informal sector cluster, Nairobi, Kenya.

Abstract

lnformation exchange triggers dynamism that m turn causes mobilization and activity within the society in general. lnformation and Communication Technologies (lCTs) has become a vital and integral component of both socio-economic development and infrastructure of any country. Thus underscoring the need for its cost-effective availability in every sector of development. lnformation and Communications Technologies (ICTs), such as the World Wide "Web, e-mail, telephones, fax and satellites are revolutionizing the way in which

societies interact, conduct their businesses, compete in international markets and set their economic and human development agendas. ICTs can enable societies to produce, access, adapt and apply greater amounts of information, more rapidly and at reduced costs, and offer enormous opportunities for enhancing business productivity and economic activity. ICTs can also contribute toward increasing social participation, competing in the global market place and removing barriers to modernization, making poor populations fuller agents in the sustainable developmental process. However, with the rapid introduction of these technologies m our economy, the gap between formal and informal sector is widening and alarming. Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) also known as informal sector contribute significantly to employment thus providing families with income and it also creates an enabling environment for the purchase of essential goods and services. The study recognizes t he difficulty this sector has, especially on direct access to ICTs. The . number of ICTs services provided for them is not enough and the few which are available are haphazardly located, hence poorly utilised or neglected. In line with this argument the study endeavour to take Kariokor cluster as a case of illustration of how location of ICTs .affects utilisation of the ICTs and on the same note look at the potential of ICTs as a business development tool and as a solution to distance barrier.