Information communication technology and politics: A synthesized analysis of the impacts of information technology on voter participation in Kenya

The availability of political information throughout society made possible by the evolution of contemporary information communication technology has precipitated conflicting debate regarding the effects of technology use on real life political participation. Proponents of technology argue that the use of new information technology stimulates political participation; with others expressing fears of social divergence and government intrusion into private lives of citizen leading to class conflict. While information technology revolution has created information-rich and communication-intensive environment for politics, the resultant social political and technological effects and consequences on voter engagement is still a major puzzle to scholars of technology and politics science in Sub-Saharan Africa.;One of the most important social impacts of information technology revolution is the consequence it could have on voter participation. Although considerable research has been called in this area, the existing research has yet to develop a comprehensive model of the key factors that influence the adoption of information technology in political participation. Basing on the ongoing implementation of electronic voting systems, and the need for research on implications of Electronic participation, this study integrates political science and information technology constructs to present a combined model of information technology and voter participation in Kenya.;In this study, we argue that the integration of technical, political and demographic factors combines to influence the adoption of electronic voter participation. We propose a research agenda based on the electronic adoption framework to develop a relationship between information technology use and political participation in Kenya. The research seeks to establish the distinct technical, political and societal factors that influence one's general propensity to vote and one's willingness to use information technology for political participation.