Growth of Cyber Cafés in Kenya: Social perspectives

Abstract

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) as a means of communication for social and economic development in Kenya is now an established fact. This is particularly evident in urban areas where the availability of information infrastructure (II) e.g. the Internet, provides an enabling environment for development of computer networks and cyber cafes. Users can access the Internet more easily and conveniently than before.  Internet cafes have grown from a small number in late 1990s into a booming business. Research into their social implications however, remains low. This study aims at determining their social impact on the Kenyan society. To achieve this broad objective, a number of data collection instruments were designed and employed, including questionnaires, interviews and observation. Visits were made to 12  cyber cafes selected as case studies in seven urban areas including Nairobi. The analyzed data shows that cyber cafes have  had a significant social impact. The e-mail, though considered lean in media richness theory, has become the preferred choice of communication to the postal services among young people. However, attendant challenges related to poor information infrastructure countrywide still persist. There are also opportunities for expansion of the sector in light  of the increasing demand from an ever-growing population of new users and evolving wireless technology.