The Influence of Institutional Resources on Doctorate Degree Enrolment and Completion Rates in Selected Public Universities Kenya
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Date
2023-10
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Publisher
International Journal of Learning and Development
Abstract
Doctorates are fundamental pivot towards facilitating the social and economic transformation
of a nation. Nevertheless, research on doctorate education point out that most candidates in
Kenyan public universities spend lengthy period of time to earn their doctorate degrees.
Furthermore, data of those enrolling in selected Kenyan public universities demonstrate that
less students enroll for doctorate programmes in contrast with those who register for Master
and Bachelors’ programmes. Institutional resources have been cited as a critical ingredient
toward enhanced students’ enrolment into doctorate programmes. The purpose of this paper
was, therefore, to establish the influence of institutional resources on doctorate degree
enrolment and completion rates from selected Kenyan public universities. The study sought to
analyse institutional resources influence on doctorate degree programmes enrolment and
completion rates from selected public universities in Kenya for the last fifteen years. The study
employed the mixed methods research design. Data was collected from four purposively
sampled universities using questionnaires, analysis of documents (on enrolment, completion
and staff enrolments) and interview schedules. Qualitative data was coded and then
thematically analysed guided by the study objectives while quantitative data was analysed
using percentages and graphs. The study revealed that institutional resources influence
enrolment and completion rates at doctorate level. Availability of qualified and sufficient
academic staff, funding, mentorship programmes, well equipped libraries, reliable internet
connections and ambient social environment to be critical in determining where one enrolls for
a doctorate programme and how long it will take to complete. The study furthermore
established that between 2003 and 2017, there was low doctorate programmes enrolment and
completion rates at the selected public Universities Kenya. This was demonstrated from trends
in the numbers of those who enrolled and those who graduated. The trends revealed that more
males than females enrolled and completed their studies with the highest being between 2008
and 2013. The findings of this research would be resourceful to university policy makers,
administrators and lecturers to improve on institutional policy framework with regard to
institutional resources which could be used to enhance doctorate programme enrolment and
completion in Kenyan public universities.
Description
Research Article
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Citation
Motanya, J. O., Nyambura, S., & Gathara, P. M. (2023). The influence of institutional resources on doctorate degree enrolment and completion rates in selected public universities in Kenya. International Journal of Learning and Development, 13(4). ISSN 2164-4063.