Factors influencing the implementation of the Kenya open data initiative: a case of Nairobi county

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors that influence the implementation of the Kenya Open Data Initiative in Nairobi County. The objectives were: to establish the influence of user awareness of open data on the implementation of the KODI; to determine the influence of data use on the implementation of the KODI and to determine the influence of FOI legislation on the implementation of the KODI. The research design that was applied in this study was the descriptive survey design. The study targeted KODI stakeholders’: government institutions, private sector organizations, civil society organizations and citizens within Nairobi County which had a population of 200 people and used a sample of 132 respondents. The researcher used questionnaires as the main instrument for this study. A pilot study was carried out in organizations not involved in the actual study. A test-retest technique was used to test the reliability of the questionnaires using Pearson’s product moment correlation. The researcher obtained a correlation coefficient of 0.89 and concluded that the research instrument was reliable. Validity was determined by pre-testing the questionnaires on a small sample of respondents not involved in the actual study, responses were assessed and then poorly prepared items were reviewed. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, Mann Whitney u-test and Kruskal Wallis test. The findings indicated that there was low awareness about the open data initiative in Kenya. It also revealed that the usage of the portal is very minimal and that awareness about the initiative does not necessarily translate in usage of the portal. The findings also indicated that the respondents agree that opening up government information will result in an open government that fosters transparency, collaboration and participation between government and citizens. The study found out that there is a significant relationship between user awareness of open data and the implementation of the KODI. It also found out that there is a significant relationship between open data use and the implementation of the KODI. There is also a significant relationship between FOI legislation and the implementation of the KODI. The findings of the research may be a benchmark for policy makers and implementers in torching the avenues of the improvement of the KODI. Recommendations to the KODI include: it should enhance support for civic education on open data, its availability and use; it should enhance collaborations and partnerships between stakeholders within the open data ecosystem; user awareness of open data does not necessarily translate to using the open data portal. Thus, the users should not only be told why they need the data but should also be shown why they need the data through actionable user experience. This will enhance their chances of using the portal; and while noted it did not hinder the setup of KODI, the enactment of an access to information law is needed to provide a policy framework for data provision and use, and safeguard the initiative