Constraints on Research Productivity in Kenyan Universities: Case Study of University of Nairobi, Kenya
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Date
2016
Authors
Muia, A.M.
Oringo, J.O.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Multidisciplinary Journals
Abstract
Besides teaching, research has become a core function of universities around the world. Yet, like in
many African countries, Kenyan universities still lag behind in terms of research productivity, due to
factors many researchers refer to as constraints. This study which was conducted in the University of
Nairobi sought to analyze constraints that influence research productivity in the university. Specific
constraints that the study sought to analyze their impacts on research productivity included; resource
constraints, institutional constraints, cultural constraints and other concepts and issues that impact on
research productivity in the University of Nairobi. The study also sought to understand the
respondents’ view on the overall status of research productivity in the University of Nairobi. Being
the largest and the leading research university in the country, the researcher believed that the findings
arising from the study of the University of Nairobi could appropriately be generalized to other
universities in Kenya. The target populations of the study were the research personnel of the six
colleges of the University of Nairobi. Data were collected by use of both open and closed ended
questionnaires. The collected data were then analyzed and the findings presented by use of tables,
graphs and charts. The study concluded that resource constraints, institutional constrains and cultural
constraints have impact on the research productivity in the University of Nairobi. In the overall, the
study established that research productivity in the University of Nairobi is at fair level. This view was
overwhelmingly supported by the majority of respondents (62%). Other concepts and issues that were
stated to have impact on research productivity included; lack of funds, poor management, lack of
dissemination and implementation of research findings, inadequate materials and equipment, lack of
incentives and rewards to researchers and sophisticated procurement procedures.
Description
Research Article
Keywords
Citation
International Journal of Recent Advances in Multidisciplinary Research Vol. 03, Issue 08, pp.1785-1794, August, 2016