dc.description.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. |
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