An investigation on the role of kenyan universities in promoting research and scholarly publishing: a case of Technical University of Kenya and Strathmore University

Abstract

Scholarly publishing creates new knowledge through dissemination of research findings. Universities are mandated to conduct research, disseminate research findings and spearhead innovative activities. In Kenya, the Commission for University Education (CUE) was established to ensure that universities perform to the high standards in promoting research and scholarly publishing. This study investigated the role of Kenyan universities in promoting research and scholarly publishing and recommended strategies for improvement. The objectives of the study were to: establish the researches undertaken and publications by faculty members of universities; assess the state of research infrastructure and adequacy of funds allocated to research by Kenyan universities; assess the role of CUE in promoting research and scholarly publishing; determine incentives offered by universities to promote research and scholarly publishing; identify challenges faced by Kenyan universities in promoting research and scholarly publishing and recommend strategies for addressing identified challenges as well as promoting research and scholarly publishing by Kenyan universities. The study was guided by the Three- phase model and the Douglas McGregor’s XY- management theory model. The study utilized exploratory research design adopting qualitative and quantitative approaches. Two universities in Kenya and CUE provided the study population. Simple random and purposive sampling techniques were applied. The study population was 433 and a sample size of 111 comprising, deans of schools, librarians, research directors, Information Communication Technology (ICT) directors and deputy vice chancellors in-charge of academic and research and key informants from CUE. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected using questionnaires and interviews. Data were analyzed and the findings were presented in tables, bar charts and pie charts. The major finding of the study show that university faculty members undertake research and publish research findings/scholarly articles mostly in the academician’s areas of specialization; ineffective documentation of publications; funding of research is inadequate and the state of research infrastructure varies from institution to institution. The role of CUE in promoting research and scholarly publishing has not yet been realized in universities and there was no documentation/or evidence on the performance of CUE and universities, while incentives offered to university faculty members are ineffective. Faculty members of universities experienced challenges including: inadequate research funding and infrastructure, poor management and supervision of university research programs, poorly funded libraries, time for research, training and poor research culture. The study concluded that there is need for universities to motivate and facilitate their faculty members to undertake research and publish research findings /scholarly articles and CUE should play active role in promoting research and scholarly publishing by Kenyan universities. Recommendations arising from the study included; the need for universities to document and disseminate research /scholarly output, need for enhanced research funding and improved access to research infrastructure; CUE to play active role in promoting research and scholarly publishing and universities to come up with research incentive scheme.