Analysis of Technology Adoption by the SMEs/Artisan in Leather Products Manufacturing Processes in Kenya

Abstract

Technology adoptionhas a major impact on the quality and quantity of goods manufactured. For many years the Kenya SMEs have been using technology in leather foot wears and leather goods manufacture.However, the SMEs/Artisans have lagged behind in adopting the current state of art in the manufacturing since they use out dated technologies. This paper explores the level of technology adopted by the SMEs/Artisans in the leather footwear and leather goods manufacturing firms in Kenya to determinethe major determinantsof suchtechnology adoption. Eighty one (81) SMEs/Artisans in the leather manufacturing sector were sampled using a simple random sampling technique.Structured questionnaire was designed to facilitate the acquisition of relevant data. Descriptive statistics which involves simple tables, percentage graphs, charts and illustrations was tactically applied in data presentations and analysis. From the findings none of the firmshad adopted the soft technology while only 6% adopted the hard technology which involved the machines.Financial constrain was cited as the main reason for the low rate of technology adoption. Others include insufficient technical skills, commitment failures by top management and competition. As means of solving the above challengesit was recommended that the government policies such as financial supports and tax incentives should be implemented. Others included provision ofleather technology machines and skills training centres for such machines tothe SMEs/Artisans involved in leather sector in Kenya.