Universities as catalysts for Development of surrouding community with Special reference to Moi University, Kenya

Abstract

Universities play instrumental roles although most of these functions have tended to be confined within the establishment.Although the surrounding communities benefit a lot with the establishment of such institution in their vicinity, little information exists on the actual benefits that have accrued from these institutions.This study evidenced in the manner under which universities are viewed whenever conflicts arise either with the community or from the numerous studies that follow. This study therefore examined the actual contribution of universities to the surrounding communities with special reference to Moi University. The study objectives were to assess the effect of Moi University on the economic welfare of the local community;to determine the relationship between the presence of Moi University and the social amenities available in Kesses Division; to determine strategies of collaboration andcommunity engagement between Moi University and members of Kesses Division. The study adopted a survey research design. Both quantitative and qualitative methods were employed to generate and analyze data. The population for this study comprised community members of selected locations within Kesses Division. Simple random sampling was used to select participants for the survey while purposive sampling was used to identify the key respondents in the in-depth interview. In total,the study sample size was 240 respondents. Quantitative data was coded and analyzed using descriptive statistics including frequencies and percentages. Interviews were fully transcribed and thereafter emerging themes were identified and analyzed. It was found that the presence of Moi University has generally enabled the community gain wide range of benefits through their productive interaction with the University.These include interactions enhanced human and social capital development,accelerated economic growth, improved professional and intellectual infrastructure in communities, progress towards sustainability and research outcomes that can benefit the social, economic, environmental and cultural dimensions of society. The study recommends that Moi University comes up with a comprehensive outreach policy targeting collaboration with the local community in order to improve further their economic and social wellbeing.