Role Of Mobile Communication Infrastructure On Horticultural Development In Kenya: A Case Of Nakuru County

Abstract

The study aimed at establishing the influence of mobile communication infrastructure on horticultural development in Kenya. The study was guided by three objectives namely: to establish the influence of mobile predictive analytics, development of M-applications and network connectivity on horticultural development in Nakuru County. This study was anchored on the Adaptive Saturation Theory; protection motivation theory; and the Information Infrastructure Design theory. The study adopted a descriptive research design. Additionally, the target population was the registered horticultural firms in Nakuru County where the top management staff were the respondents. Since the population is small at 155, the study adopted a census which was the most preferred method when the population was relatively small. Primary data was gathered through structured questionnaires which was self-administered. The data was collected using self-administered questionnaires to the management staff working with the registered horticultural firms in Nakuru County. Following data collection, quantitative data was coded and put into Statistical Packages for Social Scientists (SPSS Version 25), where they were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Tables and figures were used to display quantitative data, while prose was used to explain it. The study recommended that the horticultural firms should install a storage database that records the prevailing climatic, inputs and revenues at different times which would be useful in the forecasting the future expectations. Further recommends that the firms in Nakuru county should develop a communication application focused on activities in the horticultural industry that allows for free flow of information from financiers thereby allowing for real time feedback from the firms. Also recommends that the firms should invest in the channel funds towards the installation of strong networks with strong connectivity and this would prevent any losses that would arise from any kind of network failure. Further, the study recommends that a study be conducted to determine the effects of petroleum extraction on the economic development in Kenya. In addition, the study recommends that a study to be done on the determinants of the involvement development financial institutions in the provision of electricity in manufacturing companies.