Information and
Communication Technologies have shown the capability to revolutionise trade
globally, thereby enhancing intra-country and inter-regional trade while
stimulating economic development in world economies. This has led to the evolution and development
of e-commerce. Nevertheless, many
African countries, Kenya included, are yet to realise the full potential of
adopting e-commerce. This study aims to
establish the barriers, benefits and opportunities for the adoption of
e-commerce by Quick Service Restaurants in Nairobi County, Kenya. Schumpeter’s
theory of innovation serves as the theoretical foundation of the study. A
descriptive cross-sectional research design was employed, using a structured
questionnaire with a 5-point Likert Scale.
A sample size of 384 was employed by the study targeting managers and or
owners of QSR in Nairobi County.
Descriptive statistics were used in the analysis of data. The response
rate was 85%, and findings revealed that a deficiency of satisfactory ICT
infrastructure, lack of sufficient ICT know-how, high costs, lack of policy
frameworks and the risk of cybercrimes are the major barriers to the adoption
of e-commerce by QSR in Nairobi County, Kenya.
Notably, the Quick Service Restaurants in Kenya are using e-commerce to
modify the way they do business as they collaborate with diverse trading
partners, including food aggregators. E-commerce enables access to a wider
customer base while customers enjoy shopping convenience. The findings revealed huge opportunities,
including expanded reach due to the use of food aggregators, increased sales,
increased networks with diverse partners, increased distribution options and
enhanced information exchange among the managers.
