Towards MSE Technology Adoption Model for Business Growth in Kenya

Technology has been described as “the systematic application of scientific and other organized knowledge to practical task”. This study focused on youth-led MSES located in Makueni district of Kenya. A descriptive research design was used to carry out the study. Stratified random sampling technique was employed to select a sample of 119 out of the target population of 396. A three-part questionnaire consisting of both quantitative and qualitative questions was the main instrument for collecting data. Both quantitative and qualitative data was collected to reveal the strengths and show the main themes. Quantitative data were analyzed using the SPSS software. From the study, it was revealed that most youths had adopted technology in the form of training and purchase of equipment and that very few experienced and well-established entrepreneurs were able to sub-contract and /or franchise. It was also revealed that technology adopted had impacted positively on the youth-led MSEs in that it has improved quality of goods produced; increased productivity of the enterprise; improved marketability of business products and thus steady growth and enhanced business competitiveness in the market. The MSE technology adoption model developed from the study suggested that a deliberate action aimed at enhancing technology adoption amongst MSEs need to be taken possibly through injection of more capital, provision of emerging quality improvement techniques and creation of MSE linkages and networks among others.