Assessing the impact of income-generating activities in enhancing public university programmers in Kenya
Abstract
Income generating activities have been in operation in the public universities since the 1990s. Their establishment was meant to cushion the universities from the effects of the reduction of government contribution to the universities. This study sought to establish how the income generated from IGAS has impacted on the operations of the public universities. It went ahead to investigate the impact of income generating projects in enhancing public university programmes in Kenya. It sought to establish how the income generated has been used to help in the completion of stalled projects, initiate new ones, improve the terms and conditions of service to staff, equip laboratories and libraries, and contribute to maintenance of general infrastructure.
The study was carried out in three public universities i.e. Nairobi, Kenyatta and Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology. However data from Kenyatta was hard to come by due to reasons beyond the control of the researcher. The opinions of the finance managers/ project coordinators/ business development manager/ assistant registrar were sought. Where available the researcher also studied documentary evidence as contained in audited accounts and strategic plans.
The study was divided into five chapters. Chapter one dealt with the introduction which consisted of the background to the study, the statement of the problem, the purpose of the study, the objectives of the study, the research questions, the significance of the study, the limitations of the study, the delimitations of the study, the basic assumptions of the study, definition of significant terms and the organization of the study.
Chapter two consists of the literature review, the theoretical framework and the conceptual framework. From the literature review a gap was estab~ished in that no researches had been done
on the impact of IGAS in enhancing university programmes which became the concern of this study.
In chapter three the research methodology of the study was explained. The study adopted the survey design. Data was collected through the use of an interview schedule and review of documentary evidence.
Data analysis and interpretation was carried out in chapter four where it was established that the income generated from IGAS had been utilized to complete stalled projects, initiate new ones, improve terms and conditions of service of staff, and boost the equipment of laboratories and libraries and maintenance of general infrastructure. However it was established that in some of the universities once the funds have been given to the central administration, they are deposited into the same account as the funds got from the government and other sources making it difficult to trace the utilization ofIGAS funds to specific projects or services.
Some IGAS not fully exploited were also suggested. The public universities concerned should carry out+a feasibility-stuciy-to-exami-ne the potential+profitability-of=the IGAS- before implementing them. Once this is done the universities should go ahead and establish them.
The existing IGAS have not been fully exploited due to lack of sufficient funds. The researcher recommends that a policy framework be laid down to enable the managing bodies/ agents
/companies be able to secure loans to enable them enhance the IGAS activities. Where such bodies / companies do not exist, they should be established and a professional group be put in charge. The researcher also recommends that the companies once established and those that are in existence should even try the possibility of investing in construction of hostels fully owned by
-the companies given the poor condition in which students live in especially outside campus.
The following areas were suggested for further research:
• A similar study can be carried out in the other public universities.
• A similar study can be carried out with college principals and/or lecturers as respondents.
Citation
A research project report submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree Of master of education in educational planningPublisher
Department of Education
Collections
- Faculty of Education (FEd) [5964]