Richard K. Ronoh, Samuel Mbugua, Franklin Wabwoba
Kibabii University 1st International Conference; June 22-24,2016
Abstract
Mobile phone adoption and usage enjoyed drastic and exponential success as far as the history of technology adoption goes. However, there are indications that users are becoming frustrated by the unconstraint addition of features and services to the mobile phone guided by the assumption that “more is better”. Currently, mobile phone features present a range of innovations that are rarely useful to majority of users. The result is that many mobile phone features are never used and yet these features significantly contribute to power consumption and cost of the mobile phone. This study investigated innovative phone features that drive mobile phone usage patterns amongst university students in Kenya. In this descriptive analytical study 310 students were selected. Data was collected using a researcher-administered questionnaire and was analyzed using principal component analysis. An average of 24% of respondents indicated that they used most of the features provided by their mobile phones. The usage of some phone features was significantly different between male and female students. Provision of appropriate educational programs about beneficial use of mobile phone is quite crucial.
Keywords: Mobile phone features, students, technology, innovation
