This study is design to determine the challenges facing effectiveness of government financing public Universities education in Kenya. The data will be collected through questionnaires and interview guide. The data will be analyzed with the help of statistic package for social science (SPSS) to facilitate answering the research objectives and questions. Data will be collected from January to December 2017 in the case Moi University from a sample population of 10 top university management staff, 36 heads of department (HoDs) and 36 undergraduate students. The validity and the reliability test of the questionnaire will be based on cronbach alpha. This was done using descriptive statistics.
The results of the data showed the challenges facing effectiveness of government financing public universities includes: inadequate funding for capital development and infrastructure; higher education facilities, including research laboratories and university libraries, fell into disrepair; challenges like failure to pay lecturers on time, underfunding of research, crumbling physical infrastructure, strikes by lecturers and students and a lack of teaching materials among others; challenged by government interference that influenced university governance; political model and bureaucratic model of administration play a more prominent role in government financing of public universities.
As shown in the study, the most cited strategies measures by the respondents were: establishing lean & efficient management systems & cutting of waste; encouraging universities to be more ‘entrepreneurial’ in providing their services and seeking contracts for research and consultancy; effective communication between policy makers and implementers; designing or improving systems of student support including grants, scholarships, and student loans.
The study recommends the adoption of performance-based funding to enhance quality in higher education. It adds knowledge to the area of educational policy, which would reveal other areas that might require further study.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- INTRODUCTION
- BACKGROUND
- STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
- OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY
- LITERATURE REVIEW
- METHODOLOGY
- RESULTS
- SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS OF RESPONDENTS
- CHALLENGES FACING EFFECTIVENESS OF GOVERNMENT FINANCING PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES
- STRATEGIES TO ADDRESSING FINANCING OF THE PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES IN KENYA
- DISCUSSION
- LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY
- STRENGTHS OF THE STUDY
- CONCLUSION
- RECOMMENDATIONS
- RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FURTHER STUDY
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This study aims to determine the challenges facing the effectiveness of government financing of public universities in Kenya, using Moi University as a case study. It addresses a gap in existing research, which primarily focuses on Western countries. The study uses questionnaires and interviews to gather data, analyzing the results to understand the challenges and propose strategies for improvement.
- Challenges in government financing of public universities in Kenya.
- Impact of inadequate funding on university infrastructure and resources.
- Effects of government interference and administrative models on university governance.
- Strategies for improving university financing and resource allocation.
- The role of performance-based funding in enhancing higher education quality.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
INTRODUCTION: This introductory chapter establishes the context of the study by highlighting the importance of higher education financing for national development in Africa. It emphasizes the crucial role of adequate funding for public universities in producing high-caliber intellectuals and research findings. The chapter points to the historical reliance of African universities on government funding and the challenges faced during periods of economic slowdown, leading to underfunding and strained relationships between academics and governments. The chapter sets the stage for the investigation into the challenges faced by Moi University, specifically.
BACKGROUND: This section provides a detailed overview of the historical context of higher education funding in Africa. It discusses the historical context of higher education funding in Africa, citing pronouncements from the Association of African Universities and the influence of international organizations like the World Bank. It highlights the historical challenges related to funding, economic downturns, and the shifting priorities among African nations and the resulting impact on university funding. It frames the current study within the larger context of ongoing discussions about higher education funding in Africa.
STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM: This chapter explicitly states the research problem: the limited information on the challenges facing the effectiveness of government funding for public universities in Kenya. It emphasizes the need for this study due to the lack of research specifically focusing on non-Western countries, particularly Kenya, despite general awareness of the significance of funding sources on the management and quality of public universities. The problem statement justifies the need for this research by articulating a gap in existing literature.
OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY: This chapter clearly lays out the research objectives, providing specific aims that the study intends to accomplish. These objectives outline the goals of the research in determining the challenges related to government financing of public universities in Kenya and guiding the direction of the data collection and analysis. The objectives provide a clear roadmap for the research process.
LITERATURE REVIEW: While not directly summarized here due to lack of content in the provided text, this section would typically review existing research on higher education financing, particularly focusing on studies conducted in similar contexts (e.g., other developing countries). It would assess the current knowledge base, identify gaps, and establish the theoretical foundation for the current study.
METHODOLOGY: This chapter details the research design and methodology employed in the study. It describes the data collection methods (questionnaires and interviews) and sample population (university management, heads of departments, and undergraduate students). The chapter also specifies the data analysis techniques (SPSS) used and the procedures for ensuring the validity and reliability of the data (Cronbach's alpha). It provides a comprehensive account of the research approach used to collect and analyze data.
RESULTS: This chapter presents the findings of the study. The socio-demographic characteristics of respondents are described, followed by a presentation of the challenges identified in government funding of public universities. These challenges include inadequate funding, decaying infrastructure, payment delays for lecturers, underfunded research, and government interference.
STRATEGIES TO ADDRESSING FINANCING OF THE PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES IN KENYA: This chapter presents strategies suggested by respondents to address the financing challenges of public universities in Kenya. These strategies include establishing leaner management systems, encouraging entrepreneurial approaches, improving communication between policymakers and implementers, and designing improved systems for student support.
DISCUSSION: This section would interpret the findings presented in the Results chapter, relating them to the existing literature and theoretical frameworks. It would discuss the significance of the findings and their implications for policy and practice. The implications of the findings for higher education policy and practice in Kenya would be discussed.
LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY: This chapter would acknowledge any limitations or constraints of the study, such as sample size, geographical focus, or methodological challenges. It would openly address any potential biases or limitations that might affect the generalizability of the results.
STRENGTHS OF THE STUDY: This section would highlight the strengths and contributions of the research, such as its focus on a specific context, the use of robust methodologies, or the originality of the findings. The valuable contributions and strong aspects of the research would be highlighted.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Higher education financing, public universities, Kenya, government funding, challenges, infrastructure, resource allocation, student support, performance-based funding, university governance, research funding, Moi University.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview
What is the main topic of this study?
This study focuses on the challenges facing the effectiveness of government financing of public universities in Kenya, using Moi University as a case study. It investigates the impact of inadequate funding, government interference, and administrative models on university governance, infrastructure, and resource allocation. The study also explores strategies to improve university financing and resource allocation, including the role of performance-based funding.
What are the key objectives of the study?
The primary objective is to determine the challenges hindering effective government financing of public universities in Kenya. The study aims to understand the impact of these challenges on university operations and propose practical strategies for improvement. Specific objectives include identifying challenges in government financing, assessing the impact of funding on university resources, and analyzing the effects of government policies on university governance.
What methodology was used in this study?
The study employed a mixed-methods approach, utilizing both quantitative and qualitative data. Questionnaires and interviews were used to gather data from various stakeholders, including university management, heads of departments, and undergraduate students. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS software, and measures like Cronbach's alpha were employed to ensure data reliability and validity.
What are some of the key challenges identified in government financing of public universities in Kenya?
The study reveals several significant challenges, including inadequate funding leading to decaying infrastructure, delays in lecturer payments, underfunded research, and excessive government interference in university affairs. These issues collectively impede the effective functioning and academic excellence of public universities.
What strategies are suggested to address the financing challenges?
Respondents suggested several strategies, such as establishing more efficient management systems, promoting entrepreneurial initiatives within universities, improving communication between policymakers and university administrators, and developing enhanced student support systems. These strategies aim to improve resource allocation and enhance the overall financial sustainability of public universities.
What is the scope and limitations of the study?
The study focuses specifically on Moi University in Kenya, limiting the generalizability of findings to other institutions or countries. Specific limitations regarding sample size or potential biases in data collection would be discussed within the complete study report. The study acknowledges these limitations to ensure transparency and responsible interpretation of the results.
What are the key findings and contributions of this study?
The study provides valuable insights into the specific challenges faced by a Kenyan public university regarding government funding. It offers practical recommendations for improving financial management, resource allocation, and governance within the context of a developing nation. By focusing on a non-Western case study, it addresses a gap in existing literature.
What are the key themes explored in the study?
Key themes include the impact of inadequate government funding on university infrastructure and resources, the effects of government interference on university governance, and the exploration of strategies for improving university financing and resource allocation. The role of performance-based funding in enhancing higher education quality is also a central theme.
What are the keywords associated with this study?
Higher education financing, public universities, Kenya, government funding, challenges, infrastructure, resource allocation, student support, performance-based funding, university governance, research funding, Moi University.
Where can I find the complete study?
The complete study would be available through the appropriate academic channels, such as university repositories or publishing platforms. The provided information is a language preview offering a summary of the content.
- Quote paper
- George Kola Aduda (Author), 2018, Challenges of Government-Financed Public Universities. A Case Study of Moi University, Kenya, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/425394
