Vol. 1, Issue 11, Part O (2015)

Abstract
Information and Communications Technology (ICT) has the potential to impact every aspect of the health sector. Whilst health is an increasingly information-intensive sector where ICT adoption can significantly contribute to improved quality of service, efficiency, and accessibility, there seems to be low levels of ICT adoption particularly among the health care providers in Kenya. Most health care providers in Kenya just like other developing countries have inadequate ICT skills related to their professional duties. The aim of the study was to determine the factors affecting the utilization of ICT for health care providers in Gatundu North Sub County. A descriptive cross-sectional design was used in all the public, private, Community Based and Faith Based health facilities in the Sub County. A total of 134 Health professionals including doctors, pharmacists’, nurses, public health and other paramedics offering health services in the Sub County were sampled. A total of 134 health professionals were sampled. Questionnaire and an observation checklist were used to collect data. Quantitative data was coded, entered and analyzed using SPSS version 17. Generally, the study revealed low ICT access and utilization among the health in the Sub –County was low. Only 27.6% of the respondents used computers while at work and 72.4% did not. Desk tops were the most provided computers reported by 64.8% while both desk-tops and lap-tops were 24.4% and 10.8% of the respondents mentioned lap-tops only. Majority (95.0%) of the respondents reported lack of computers as the main reason why health workers are not using them. Majority (96.0%) of the respondents reported computers are maintained and repaired by hired technicians while 2.0% said they are repaired and maintained only during supervisions.rnHowever, the respondents identified some valid benefits for computer use, the study revealed only few health workers using computers. This was mostly attributed to lack of computers in the health facilities. Therefore, there is need to provide ICT facilities within the health facilities. There is also need to train the health workers on ICT facilities utilization in order to gain the numerous benefits accrued from efficient and effective utilization of ICT facilities in health care delivery system in the Sub County.