Adoption of Cloud Computing Among Small and Medium Enterprises in Kenya

Abstract

Cloud computing is the latest trend in IT world. It is Internet-based computing, whereby shared resources, software and information; are provided to computers and other devices on-demand. The study was concerned with the adoption of cloud computing among small and medium enterprises in Kenya. The study was guided by the following research objectives: To establish the drivers for cloud computing adoption by SME’s in Kenya, cloud computing risks of Safaricom hosted cloud computing, mitigation strategies forclouding computing risks and to determine the impact of clouding computing adoption on SME’s performance.The study used a descriptive studytargeting the chief information technology officer, information technology managers, information system managers and managers involved in policy making decisions on computing systems in 30 SMEs that have adopted cloud computing. The study collected primary datausing questionnaires. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression analysis. The results were presented using tables and other graphical presentations for ease of understanding and analysis. The respondents were of the perception that cloud computing is cost effective, easier to use, solves problems and easier to learn. The study also found out that the major concerns for cloud computing adoption were security, privacy and reliability and that cloud computing adoption had positive impact on organizationalperformance.Adoption of cloud computing is determined by the technical competence of the IT staff, firm size and profit objectives of the firm .Medium size firms with competent IT staff and cost cutting objectives are more likely to adopt cloud computing due to its perceived affordability. Consequently the study concludes there has been significant progress towards adoption of cloud computing in Kenya. This is mainly attributed to cloud computing solutions being more attractive, cost-effective, easy to get and purchase, compared to company owned infrastructure.