Abstract:
Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) face numerous challenges in identification,
setting up and making use of information technology (IT) as an enabler for business. Cloud computing could solve this problem by offering ready, low cost of entry IT solutions. Adoption of cloud computing among SMEs in developing countries is, however, low due to a number of barriers as identified by previous studies. This study attempts to investigate the level of cloud computing adoption by SMEs within Nairobi in Kenya. To realize this, a survey was conducted with a convenience sample of 45 SMEs. The findings reveal that emails and websites as cloud services are widespread, however, cloud-based business applications adoption is particularly low. Consequently, we submit that there is need to establish frameworks deliberately crafted to promote the adoption of cloud computing by SMEs in developing countries.
