| dc.description.abstract | For almost one decade now Kenya has been experiencing a series of
setbacks with adverse effects on the rates of economic and social
development. To many economists, this crisis has been referred to as
structural, necessitating the adoption of stabilization and structural
adjustment programmes and policies (SAPs). These programmes, supported
by international financial institutions (in particular, the International
Monetary Fund and the World Bank) have aimed at reducing fiscal and
monetary imbalances by, among others, rationalising government
expenditures and reducing the scope of public sector activities.
The objective of this research project is to examine the impact which
structural adjustment programmes in Kenya on the development of scientific
and technological institutions. The main emphasis of the study is on the
effects of the reductions in government expenditures on the scientific and
technological infrastructure.
The research methodology adopts a historical approach, by studying
the development of scientific and technological institutions in Kenya, over the
last ten years. The emphasis is on the period from 1986 which constitutes
the core adjustment period. The main focus is public institutions, providing
training and services, and undertaking research activities. The study also
examines the performance of the industrial sector during the period of
adjustment.
The report shows that whilst the growth of public expenditures in
Kenya has been a matter of concern, the rate of increase has not significantly
stopped. The inability to control expenditures is due in part to the
composition and structure of expenditures, and also to a general lack of
discipline in expenditure allocation and execution. This scenario, has,
unfortunately, been existing and practised at the expense of the development
of science and technology-based institutions in the country. Although
science and technology has been identified to play an important role in
Kenya's growth and developrnent.. the funding of .. requisite research
organisations has been totally inadequate. The situation has degenerated
even further within the period of execution of structural adjustment
programmes, which entailed under-cutting development projects at such
institutions. As a result, most of the funds devoted to research are, instead,
committed for personnel expenses. The reduction in government funds has
also been worsened by the fact that even operational funds that are budgeted,
are not always actually disbursed to,!he relevant institutions. | en |
