Technological Determinants of Adoption of In-House Student Management Software in Public Universities in Kenya

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of technological factors specifically security features and software compatibility on the adoption of in-house student management software (SMS) in Kenyan public universities. The problem addressed was the inconsistent implementation of such systems due to concerns over data security and lack of compatibility with existing institutional infrastructure. The objectives were to examine how security influences user trust and how compatibility impacts adoption. The study was limited to eight public universities within Nairobi's Central Business District (CBD) and focused on administrators and IT staff, excluding private institutions and other influencing variables. Guided by the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) framework, the study employed a quantitative research design. The target population was 250, with a sample of 152 selected through stratified random sampling. Structured questionnaires were used for data collection. Validity and reliability were ensured through expert review and Cronbach's Alpha testing. Data analysis involved descriptive and inferential statistics, including correlation and regression. Findings showed that both security and compatibility significantly influence system adoption, with a regression model indicating strong predictive power (β = 0.25, p = .003, R² = 0.68). The study concluded that enhancing security frameworks and ensuring system compatibility are critical. It recommends universities implement robust access controls, conduct infrastructure audits, involve end-users, and offer targeted training to ensure successful software adoption and sustainability.