Browsing by Author "Njenga, James K"

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    The role of intermediaries in information sharing between government and communities in Western Cape
    (University of the Western Cape, 2021) Nelwamondo, Murendeni; Njenga, James K
    The use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to share information is rapidly increasing worldwide. The South African government uses ICT to extend sharing of information and provide services to communities through websites, portals, forums and other online platforms. However, there are still digitally divided communities – without access it these ICTs due to, among others, a lack of necessary computer skills and financial resources. Consequently, these communities miss opportunities to use ICTs to share information with the government. To address the digitally divided communities, the government established an initiative to build community ICT access centres (e-centres). These e-centres have become the intermediaries between government and communities as shared community facilities that provide access to ICTs and connect the digitally divided communities to government services with social and economic benefits. However, there seem to be disparities between the government's roles and the eventual roles played by intermediaries in information sharing between communities and the government. The disparity might lead to intermediaries not providing services expected by communities, which might affect how communities use intermediaries to communicate with the government.
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    The complexities and possibilities of health data utilization in the West Coast District
    (University of the Western Cape, 2018) Zimri, Irma Selina; Njenga, James K
    In an ideal public health arena, scientific evidence should be incorporated in the health information practices of making management decisions, developing policies, and implementing programs. However, much effort has been spent in developing health information practices focusing mainly on data collection, data quality and processing, with relatively little development on the utilization side of the information spectrum. Although the South Africa Health National Indicator Dataset of 2013 routinely collects and reports on more than two hundred elements, the degree to which this information is being used is not empirically known. The overall aim of the study was to explore the dynamics of routine primary healthcare information utilization in the West Coast district while identifying specific interventions that could ultimately lead to the improved use of data to better inform decision making. The ultimate goal being to enable managers to better utilize their routine health information for effective decision making.