The development and advancement of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in
Kenya has had considerable effects on people’s lives, affecting how they work, how they
communicate, and even how they interact. The evolutions in technology and popularization of
different devices and applications have implied rapid changes in the exposure profiles of the
population at work, school, at home, and in leisure over only a few decades. It is therefore,
important to examine those potential health effects of this exposure. This research focuses on
possible negative effects associated with ICT use by young adults in Kenya. The research
specifically focuses on characteristics of ICT and ICT stressors that lead behavoural strains
associated with Technostress.
Person-Environment fit model is mainly used as a theoretical lens to explain Technostress among
young people in this study. Other works by Technostress researchers are also considered. The
research proposes that characteristics of technology such as usability, complexity of use,
constant connectivity anonymity, mobility as well as dynamism contribute largely in creating
behavioural strains leading to Technostress. The survey also proposes that stressors such as work
intensification and overload, information overload, techno invasion, techno complexity, techno
uncertainty and work, social, home or school conflict are also contributing factors that create
behavioural strains in individuals using ICTs which associates with Technostress.
Survey design methodology was used to test the proposed research model. Field data from 112
students in the age bracket of 18 to 30 years were obtained from eight institutions in Nairobi,
Kenya. The results indicate that behavioural strains associated with Technostress are prevalent.
The results from this study have implications for both research and practice. It opens up
additional avenues for research by showing that ICTs are a growing source of Technostress in
developing countries such as Kenya. The study also mentions a number of inhibitors that can be
further explored as possible remedial measures for Technostress.