Funding Models and Sustainability of Public Universities in Kenya
| dc.contributor.author | Kabisa, Kevin Namaswa | |
| dc.contributor.author | Wanyonyi, Anne Nabwile | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2026-04-30T10:06:21Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2026-04-30T10:06:21Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2026-04 | |
| dc.description | Research Article | |
| dc.description.abstract | Public universities in Kenya play a critical role in socio-economic development through the provision of higher education, research, innovation, and human capital development. However, the ability of these institutions to sustain their core functions has been increasingly constrained by inadequate and unstable funding, resulting in financial distress and rising institutional debt. This study examined the funding models used by public universities in Kenya and assessed their implications for financial sustainability and debt accumulation. The study was guided by Resource Dependence Theory, Sustainability Theory, and Public Choice Theory. A descriptive research design was adopted, and secondary data were obtained from government reports, parliamentary oversight documents, institutional financial statements, Auditor-General reports, and relevant empirical studies. Data were analyzed using descriptive techniques and content analysis to establish trends in funding sources, expenditure patterns, and outstanding liabilities. Findings indicate that heavy dependence on government allocations and tuition fees has contributed significantly to liquidity constraints and debt accumulation. The study also established that universities with diversified income sources such as consultancies, commercial ventures, research grants, and public–private partnerships Original Research Article demonstrate relatively higher financial resilience. The study concludes that improving financial sustainability in public universities requires predictable government funding, strengthened revenue diversification, enhanced financial governance, and effective debt management strategies. | |
| dc.identifier.citation | Kabisa, K. N., & Wanyonyi, A. N. (2026). Funding Models and Sustainability of Public Universities in Kenya. Asian Basic and Applied Research Journal, 8(1), 168–179. https://doi.org/10.56557/abaarj/2026/v8i1218 | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://doi.org/10.56557/abaarj/2026/v8i1218 | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://ir-library.ku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/33012 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | |
| dc.publisher | Asian Basic and Applied Research Journal | |
| dc.title | Funding Models and Sustainability of Public Universities in Kenya | |
| dc.type | Article |