A Study on the Identification of E-Commerce Technologies and the Adoption Challenges That Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Face: Case Study Mavoko Constituency, Machakos County, Kenya

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) globally play a significant role in economic growth and development. However, the adoption of e-commerce by SMEs, particularly in developing countries, has been slow due to various reasons. This journal aims to identify the e-commerce technologies and adoption challenges that small and medium enterprises (SMEs) face in Mavoko Constituency, Machakos County, Kenya, with a specific focus on Business-to-Consumer (B2C) transactions. The research reveals several key findings regarding the adoption of e-commerce by SMEs in Mavoko Constituency. Firstly, e-commerce platforms are widely utilized, with 92% of respondents actively engaging in them. Mobile commerce (m-commerce) and social media integration have emerged as prominent technological trends, underscoring the dynamic nature of e-commerce practices among SMEs. However, despite the widespread adoption of e-commerce platforms, SMEs face significant challenges that hinder their full realization of the benefits of digital commerce. Among these challenges are trust and security concerns, which constitute a substantial barrier to e-commerce adoption, accounting for 24% of the challenges faced by SMEs. Limited access to technology and internet infrastructure (12%) and lack of collaboration and networking opportunities (20%) also pose significant hurdles. Moreover, financial constraints, limited market awareness, and digital skills gaps further exacerbate the challenges faced by SMEs in embracing e-commerce technologies. By addressing these challenges and implementing targeted interventions, policymakers, industry stakeholders, and SMEs themselves can unlock the transformative potential of e-commerce, driving economic growth, job creation, and sustainable development in Mavoko Constituency and beyond.