Abstract:
Electronic commerce is now thought to hold the promise of a new commercial
revolution by offering an inexpensive and direct way to exchange information and
sell or buy products or services. The purpose of this study was to access electronic
payment systems; user accessibility and problems using Nzema East Municipality as
a case study. A sample size of 380 respondents was selected from individuals and
business owners in the municipality. Convenience sampling technique was adopted
by the study to ensure ease in questionnaire distribution and completion. Based on the
findings of the study, it can be concluded that mobile money is the most popular and
most patronised electronic payment system in Nzema East municipality. Again, the
study concludes that electronic payment systems in the Nzema East Municipality are
not user friendly. It also concludes that availability of payment systems and
convenience are the most influential factors that determine people’s accessibility of
EPS in the municipality. Also, it can be concluded from the study that lack of
knowledge and skills in basic computing and inadequate point of sale terminals are
the biggest challenges that affect user accessibility of electronic payment in the
municipality. Moreover, provision of point of sale devices, simplification of
electronic payment process, improving security and reduction of cost on transactions
can improve user accessibility of electronic payment systems. Finally, the study
recommends that mobile money should lead the revolutionalisation of electronic
payment systems amidst enforcement of regulations by regulatory bodies to ensure
maximum accessibility and patronage and the introduction of Interactive Voice
Recognition Technology.
