The use of artificial intelligence (AI)-powered educational tools is growing over time and has the potential to completely transform the manner that education is provided. This paper looks at the pedagogical ramifications of artificial intelligence applications utilized in educational institutions. The study is qualitative research that analyzes an array of research on artificial intelligence-powered educational technologies using articles from peer-reviewed journals and conference proceedings. Content analysis is used to examine the literature to establish, the use of artificial intelligence in education, including its capabilities in educational processes, its pedagogical implications, and its challenges. The paper discusses how artificial intelligence could transform educational settings and educational resources, creating opportunities for services to be made scalable both inside and outside of the classroom. The paper concludes that while integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into education brings benefits to the education landscape, there are also significant risks. To fully utilize AI's technological innovation for educational purposes, ethical considerations must be taken into account.

Universities are generating massive amounts of educational data. Most universities are now focusing on how to harness that data to optimize and visualize it to provide better and more extended education services. Given this scenario, a literature review was used to conduct this study guided by the following objectives: (1) Assess suitable fog computing and educational data analytics architectures; (2) Examine the opportunities offered by fog computing and educational data analytics; (3) Investigate fog computing and educational data analytics challenges; and (4) Examine disruptions and future directions of these technologies in Education 4.0. The study concludes that institutions must use integrated data analytics techniques and distributed technology systems to make decisions about administration, resource allocation, student retention, performance, and improvement strategies. The study also identified the challenges of using fog computing and educational data analytics and concludes that education 4.0 is a learning style that is aligned with the fourth industrial revolution, requiring transformational learning readiness.

Agriculture is undergoing a digital transformation because of population growth, climate change, and food security concerns. Agriculture is influenced by information technology in terms of cost reduction, efficiency, and sustainability. Precision agriculture employs IoT, deep learning, predictive analytics, and AI-based technologies to aid in the detection of plant diseases, pests, and poor plant nutrition in the field. The study's objectives are as follows: 1) evaluate the role of smart technologies and their impact on precision agriculture sustainability; 2) assess the typical application of IoT data analytics and deep learning in precision agriculture; and 3) investigate the barriers to the adoption of sustainable precision farming. IoT technologies collect data and relay it to data analytics and deep learning for in-depth analysis. The findings indicate that data assists farmers in managing crop variety, phenotypes and selection, crop performance, soil quality, pH level, irrigation, and fertilizer application quantity. The study looks at typical application areas and critical success factors for precision agriculture. Technological issues, safety, privacy, cost, and legal issues influence the adoption of these technologies. Individual farmers, government, academics, and agricultural authorities will all benefit from the research. The study recommends the adoption and optimization of innovations and technologies e.g. mobile devices, access to better internet speed, low-cost and dependable satellites for positioning and imagery, and precision agriculture-optimized agricultural machinery. Future research should focus on the application of appropriate decision-support systems for implementing precision decisions.

The fourth industrial revolution presents society with significant opportunities to incorporate emerging creative and technology innovations and strategies for youth and women empowerment. This paper uses content analysis in 1) identifying the fourth industrial revolution technologies available for youth and women's empowerment 2) exploring the capacity of 4IR technologies for empowering youth and women 3) investigating the difficulties faced by young and women in using these (4IR) technologies 4) exploring approaches that may encourage the use of these (4IR) innovations by young people and women. An analysis of the literature was carried out and included reports, scholarly journal articles, and conference proceedings. The keywords used were the Fourth Industrial Revolution, Youth, and women. The study concludes that the fourth industrial revolution promotes social change, improves service accessibility, improving global income levels, promoting the standard of living for youth and women, and enhancing the equitable digital economy Keywords: Fourth Industrial Revolution; Technologies; Youth and Women Empowerment DOI: 10.7176/JIEA/11-1-05 Publication date: February 28 th 2021

This paper investigates how predictive analytics and artificial intelligence increased inclusivity in blended learning during and after a global pandemic. This study addresses the issue of inclusivity as it relates to the use of information and communication technologies for the success of blended learning in an institution of higher learning. The study’s objectives are to assess the impact of AI in blended learning, investigate the technological tools and techniques used for predictive learning analytics, and identify the role of behaviors and patterns in student success and their impact on blended learning. A literature search of scientific research papers in journals, conference proceedings, online journals, and reports was conducted for this study. According to the study’s findings, blended learning should be aligned with pedagogical practices and learner-centered methods rather than technology. The paper’s findings will benefit policymakers and educators in implementing blended learning during the pandemic and beyond. This study aims to add to the body of knowledge about the effectiveness of blended learning in the post-COVID 19 eras.

Covid-19 pandemic has had severe effects in economies, businesses and livelihoods. In fact, the pandemic has significantly slowed down all economies with World Health Organization (WHO) projecting that global trade may reduce by between 13% and 32% in 2020. In Kenya, service sector is the most hit sector, with learning institutions suspending physical learning, close to 80% of hotels suspending operations and small scale service providers leaning operations. However, this study is focused on the positive side of the pandemic. The paper documents technology shifts observed in Kenya during Covid-19 pandemic and identify, empirically, the operational benefits that could possibly be realized through such technologies. The study establishes that while Covid-19 had disastrous effects on businesses and individuals, the pandemic has pushed Kenyans and Kenyan organizations towards technology adoption as witnessed through technology shift during the period. This study serves as preliminary review. Its findings inform a full study that will focus on technology adoption throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. Keywords: Covid -19, Technology Shift, Operational Advantages DOI: 10.7176/EJBM/12-30-05 Publication date: October 31 st 2020

The adoption of new technological innovations is steering African economic growth in many areas including agriculture, grid energy, education, and health. The growth of the Internet and the emergence of mobile service-based, ubiquitous communications, cloud storage, and IoT applications are promoting innovation, social, and economic growth in Africa. This study focused on the integration and strategic application of IoT and big data. The specific objectives of this study were: 1) to assess the technologies supported by Internet of Things and big data; 2) to establish the extent of adoption and application and; 3) to investigate the challenges, strategies and economic benefits. The study was conducted through desktop research from the sources searched from scientific research, conference proceedings, reports, and academic journals. The outcomes of the study will help in understanding customer behaviors, promoting service delivery, productivity, strategic planning, better logistics decision, and profit maximization. The paper will also help to understand the issues confronted.

There has been a rapid growth in internet use in Kenya. Adolescents are the highest users of internet in the country. This puts adolescents at risk of becoming addictive internet users. Adolescent internet use has also been found to have negative consequences which include problematic social relationships, poor academic performance and psychological disturbance. Studies in other countries have associated increased levels of addictive internet use among individuals who are depressed. However, in Kenya, problem internet use and its relationship with depression and academic performance among adolescents has not been established. The current study sought to establish the relationship between problem of internet use and poor academic performance among adolescents in Kenya schools. The study used correlation design to establish the relationship between the variables. The target population was all adolescents in Form 1 - 4 and their class teachers. Random sampling was used to sample students from both public and private secondary schools. A total of 100 respondents participated in the study. Questionnaires were administered to students to gauge their addiction levels and interviews were conducted with their class teachers to gauge the performance levels of their students. Percentages and measures of central tendency were used to describe the data. The findings revealed a prevalence of 16.8% of problem internet use and a prevalence of 23.6% of performance. Independent samples T-test was used to test for differences in problem internet use between male and female students. The findings revealed that female students were likely to be problem internet users compared to male adolescents. Pearson’s product moment correlation was used to establish the relationship between poor academic performance and problem internet use and it was found that a weak positive relationship existed between poor academic performance and problem internet use. The study also identified various measures that could be used to mitigate the problem of problem internet use among adolescents. Based on the findings, it was concluded that there was need to identify and help the affected students exercise moderation and self control when using the internet in order for them to achieve their lifetime goals. The findings of the study also provide empirical evidence on the gender differences in performance and problem internet use which may be useful in improving counseling interventions for adolescent students/pupils. Keywords : poor academic performance, internet user, problem internet use, adolescents. DOI : 10.7176/JIEA/9-6-04 Publication date :October 31 st 2019

Healthy democracies require high levels of explicit participation by citizens in political life of their countries, from voting empowerment to monitoring government performance. ICT is a tool which when used appropriately can help citizens participate in the political affairs of their countries. Through use of information technologies such as database management systems, biometrics voter registration and identification, optical scanning, block chains and digital networks, secure and robust systems for digital voting can be devised. The objective of this paper are to highlight the types of technologies used in electoral systems and results transmission, Investigate the challenges faced in using these technologies and to establish benefits of technology use in electoral processes. The study was conducted through a desk search on elections materials, elections observer reports, international and Kenyan laws on elections and reports by the Kenya's EMB, IEBC. The study concludes that legislative and regulatory items that govern elections in African countries need to be reviewed to cope with new and emerging technologies. When considering technological solutions for electoral processes, Election Management Bodies must conduct adequate feasibility studies and proper strategic planning to ensure that they have sufficient plans and time for the introduction of new technologies.

Big Data provides an opportunity to educational Institutions to use their Information Technology resources strategically to improve educational quality and guide students to higher rates of completion, and to improve student persistence and outcomes.This paper explores the attributes of big data that are relevant to educational institutions, investigates the factors influencing adoption of big data and analytics in learning institutions and seeks to establish the limiting factors hindering use of big data in Institutions of higher learning.The study has been conducted through a desk search and reviewed sources of literature including scientific research journals and reports.The paper is based on desk research.The sources of literature that were reviewed included scientific research articles and journals, conference reports and theses.Online journals found on the internet were also examined with the search being broadened by Google Scholar where the following keywords were used "big data", "developing countries", "education systems" and "clustering".The paper concludes that Big Data is important since it offers Universities opportunities to their Information Technology resources strategically to improve educational quality and guide students, colleges and universities see value in analytics; and therefore recommends that these institutions carry out investments in analytics programs and in people to have relevant data science.This is because Big Data can afford educational institutions opportunities to shape a modern and dynamic education system, in which every individual student can have the maximum benefit from, and can greatly contribute towards improving the quality of education

Information System success model is a theory that seeks to provide a comprehensive understanding of Information Systems’ success by identifying, describing, and explaining the relationships among critical dimensions of evaluation of success. This paper focused on Mobile Instant Messaging (MIM) systems which encompass a range of internet-based facilities that enable exchange of real-time messages using mobile phones. Research indicates that a comprehensive success model must always be followed to guide institutions in the adoption, implementation and use of a new technology such as MIM systems. Whereas general Information System (IS) success models exist, none specifically integrates MIM success factors to suit the uniqueness of emergent MIM systems. In light of the aforementioned, this paper aimed to develop an IS success model that integrates MIM success factors. The study specifically sought to investigate the existing success models and identify relevant MIM success factors determined to form the new model. Mixed method research design was employed with both quantitative and qualitative strategies being used. Simple probability sampling method was used to obtain a sample of 655 respondents drawn from four cadres of respondents in Kenyan public universities as follows; ninety three (93) Information and Communication Technology (ICT) administrative staff, ninety six (96) ICT technical staff, ninety eight (98) academic staff and three hundred and sixty eight (368) students. Data was collected by the use of questionnaires and interviews. Validity was ensured through triangulation, peer debriefing and review. Reliability test was done and generated a Cronbach’s Alpha value of 0.827. Ethical considerations were taken into account and relevant clearances sought as required. The study established a total of thirty (30) success factors suitable for MIM. Factor analysis method was used to classify the success factors into six (6) constructs used to develop the new IS success model. The study found five key success areas namely; Task, infrastructural, social, spatial, temporal, context. The new model was consequently built by integrating the identified variables and validated for acceptance. Findings of the study were considered important for the academia given the MIM-related knowledge generated, and anticipated in the further research recommended herein. Besides, the new IS success model developed in this study stands to help institutions achieve success with respect to MIM technology adoption, implementation and use through the guidance the model provides.

This paper presents an attempt of providing grid computing as an avenue to heterogeneous e-learning platforms that can be accessed by different hardware and software platforms. E-Learning involves using internet technologies to access learning resources online such as school timetable, courseware, research material, and to run virtual communities for sharing and creating knowledge. Grids can be used as a means to provide education and training through such internet technologies. Literature review is used through examination of scientific research papers in journals and conference proceedings. The objective of the paper is to contribute towards knowledge and lessons that can be applied in Kenya towards effective approaches for development of an e-learning grid infrastructure.

The advancement of Information Communication Technology in recent years and the increase in the number of social networking technologies, has led to educators facing complex choices and challenges when it comes to exploiting the advantages these technologies offer. This hampers the use of social networks to enhance and complement teaching. This may be attributed to lack of knowledge and preparedness for integration, which in turn hinders successful integration of social networks into education systems. The objective of the study was to evaluate the preparedness for social networks integration into teaching and learning for universities. The study also investigated challenges faced in integrating these technologies. A case study approach was taken with the collection of data from lecturers at Inoorero University using the census method. Data was analyzed and presented using frequencies, percentages and tables, by use of SPSS. The study concludes that there is preparedness for social networks integration into teaching and learning at the university. The findings of the study can be used to develop a benchmark for integrating social networks into teaching and learning, and can aid professionals in the education communities in policy development and research.

Initiatives for library digitization in Kenya are scattered all over with the university libraries, showing greatest progression. Despite the Government supporting the implementation of ICT related changes in universities, the pace in digitization of libraries still remains slow and pervasive. One of the reasons for the slow pace is attributed to challenges faced in managing the implementation of digital library projects. The objective of this paper is to explore the extent to which digital library projects are being undertaken in universities and to investigate the challenges faced in management of digitization projects. The study concludes that many university libraries are embracing Information Communication Technologies and digitizing their collections, and that implementation of the digital library projects are faced with managerial and technical challenges. This paper concludes that the planning and motivation of the digital projects can be integrated into the strategic goals of the university. Long range planning and phased implementation of such library projects is needed in order to cope with: the enormity of the automation projects; the high costs involved; and. the need for capacity building of key staff to effectively manage these digitization projects.

 Abstract : Kenya is depicted as one of the fastest growing mobile money ecosystem in the world. In addition to the traditional text and voice services, all mobile phone service providers in Kenya have incorporated mobile money as a core business function. Mobile money is viewed as a key driver that will 'leap' frog the economy of Kenya, bringing poor people into financial system who have been for a long time been excluded by financial institutions. Despite the positive advancements in mobile money, transaction cost and facilitating conditions remains a major hindrance to the adoption on mobile money services. This paper investigates impact of transaction cost and facilitating conditions in the adoption of mobile money in Kenya. A survey was conducted to gather data which was coded in SPSS 16. Confirmatory Factor Analysis was used to analyze the data and Structural Equation Modeling using Analysis of Moment Structures was used to validate the research model. The research model included three main components; transaction cost, facilitating conditions and adoption. The model was developed based on a review of technology adoption models. The analysis revealed that facilitating conditions impact positively to the adoption of mobile money services. Results demonstrate that facilitating conditions do influence adoption usage of mobile money services.