Influence of Electricity Connection on ICT Usage in Six East African Community Countries

This article empirically examined the influence of available electricity on information and communication technology (ICT) usage in East African Community (EAC) countries deploying regression analysis. It operationalized ICT usage in terms of the composite index comprising mobile phone, Internet, and electricity access by the percentage of the population who has an electricity connection. The results indicate that (1) a strong beneficial link exists between power access and ICT usage in three EAC countries (Burundi, Kenya, and Rwanda). (2) Employing data flow assumptions for the linear regression analysis in Burundi, Kenya, and Rwanda means that ICT usage can be determined based on electricity access in each of these countries. (3) There is no direct link between electricity access and ICT usage in South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda.