Influence of Information Technology on Collection of Street Parking Fees in Eldoret Town, Kenya

Abstract

The technological innovation has been an important matter in tax and revenue collection.  Eldoret town has witnessed under collection of fees from street parking for a long time. This study sought to establish the influence of information technology on collection of street parking fees in Eldoret town. It was guided by decentralization theory. The study adopted Ex post facto research design, and data was collected through structured questionnaires. The study targeted a population of 948 consisting of 75 parking attendants, 52 management team and 821 motorists. A sample of 109 was drawn from the target population using simple and stratified random sampling. Data analysis was carried out using descriptive and inferential statistics. Mean, standard deviation and correlation analysis were statistical methods used for analyzing data.  The study found out that the use of electronic channel speeds up collection of street parking fees which in turn eases revenue collection. Despite the aforementioned benefits, electronic facilities are rarely used in remitting the street parking fees. The study recommends that the parking attendants need to ensure that they are available to collect parking fees and vehicle owners ensure that they pay parking fees as required. The number of staff deployed for collection of street parking fees needs to be sufficient as well as the time allocated in collecting the fees. There is need to embrace the use of electronic facilities in remitting the street parking fees. Also, it would be important to train the parking attendants on the use of the technology so that they can have the knowledge and skills to use it. It is important to make the payment process simplified and less burdensome to the motorists.

Key terms: Information technology, street parking fees, revenue collection