Mt Kenya University chairman Simon Gicharu on Wednesday raised concerns over low levels of research by institutions of higher learning.
He said universities in Kenya and Africa have in the past produced limited research even on problems afflicting the continent and its people. Instead, they have made room for outsiders to carry out research, he added.
Gicharu said limited funds made available by governments and budget cuts by universities have meant that Africa churns out a few research publications. He cited the American Chronicle of Higher Education, which notes that Africa accounts for less than two per cent of the world’s publications.
“The quality of research and graduate training in Africa is still a challenge due to the drastic budget cuts, growing enrolments, student and staff unrests, poor infrastructure and migration of the most talented professors to developed countries. Africa ranks very low in research productivity in terms of publications,” he said.
“We have a role as a university to improve the situation of low levels of research by positioning ourselves appropriately to support research not only in our country but globally."
Gicharu spoke at MKU main campus where he announced the merger of the School of Postgraduate Studies and the Directorate of Research into the College of Graduate School and Research.
“This will guarantee synergy between the two sections and harness the same since postgraduate training is mainly research-based,” he said.
He added the new college will streamline research by its faculty and students, particularly linking research that the institution undertakes with its priorities. It will develop a five-year strategic plan that will focus on aligning MKU’s research to national research and innovation priorities, increase transition from undergraduate to postgraduate programmes and explore partnerships with global learning and research institutions.
Gicharu said the merger will put the institution on a par with other global learning and research institutions that undertake groundbreaking research and solve problems that face humanity.
(Edited by F'Orieny)
