Scientific and Technological Information Support to Industrial Development in Kenya with Emphasis on Inter-institutional Co-Operation
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Date
1993-05
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The importance of information in development has been
accepted internationally. The present study examines the
ways of providing scientific, technological and
managerial information,
development in Kenya.
necessary for industrial
The document reviews the industrialization process
in Kenya from the early part of this century and more
particularly durinq the post';'lndependence period. I'"n this
context, consideration has been given to: the structural
adjustments programmes and policies adopted by the
government, and the role of small scale industries in
national economy. The institutions that support
industrialization is also discussed.
Problems that hamper industrialization, such as,
technology transfer methods and modalities adopted; lack
of industrial information support systems; lack of
appropriate policies; manpower, managerial and financial
resources; inefficient co-ordination mechanism; and the
complex patenting procedures, are reviewed.
Technology transfer to developing countries with
emphasis on Kenya, is discussed and the impediments to the process are mentioned. The deficiency of information
support services in Kenya for efficient and effective
transfer of technology to small enterprises in particular
is pointed out.
The information needs of industries are discussed
with due consideration of information for management,
market information and financial information. Existing
Information systems specifically to promote
industrialization in Kenya include the Kenya scientific
ft
Information,- Documentation and Communication Centre
(KENSIDOC), Kenya Industrial Research and Development
Institute (KIRDI) library, Investment Promotion Centre
(IPC) Information Centre, and the Ministry of Commerce
and Industry library. Their a ctiv ities are briefly
reviewed .
The results of the study shows that the c o-ope rati on
between the institutions responsible for the promotion of
industrial development in Kenya is weak; and their
linkages with the industries are also weak. The
information systems set up to provide i ndustrial
information are not providing appropriate information
services, such as, the current awarenes s e rvices(including selective dissemination of information),
information analysis and consolidation, database services
and translation services.
The Kenya Scientific Information, Documentation and
communication Centre (KENSIDOC) is seen to have a major
role in the. provision ot scientific and technological and
related information to the small enterprises and other
organizations concerned with industrialization in the
country. The .. st.udy examines through
, ,!,)t;, ~:e
sy.ste~s i\nalysis the
features and ' factors of the Centre that need
strengthening and enhancement to enable it perform its
functions efficiently and effectively, and apropriate
recommendations are made. A prototype database consisting
of profiles of institutions, experts, research projects,
information Systems and bibliographic records, and
another database of relevant national regulations (mainly
industrial laws and r egulations) has been created. The
prototype database can be adapted by KENSIDOC and other
information systems that provide information to
entrepreneurs, researchers, government executives, etc.
The thesis concludes with recommendations to assist in
the promotion of industrial development in Kenya.
Description
Keywords
Technological Information Support