Title: Determinants of research productivity among academics in Kenya

Authors: Tom Mong'are Ndege; Joash Abere Migosi; Jane Onsongo

Addresses: Department of EMPS, Moi University, P.O. Box 3900 – 30100, Eldoret, Kenya. ' Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology, Directorate Research Management and Development, P.O. Box 17460-00100, Nairobi, Kenya. ' Catholic University of Eastern Africa, P.O. Box 612157, Nairobi, Kenya

Abstract: This study sought to examine the factors that influence research productivity (RP) among academic staff in selected universities in Kenya. Toutkoushian|s (2006) model that links RP to a variety of economic variables is used. Stratified sampling was used ensuring incorporation of the academics heterogeneity factors such as gender, rank, type of university (private or public) and academic qualification. The study used 277 academics randomly drawn from universities in Kenya. 17 heads of department were also included to provide information on institutional factors that enhance RP. A pre-tested questionnaire and document analysis were used to collect data. Percentages, means and standard deviations were used to describe the data. Inferential statistics involved the use of principal factor analysis. The findings showed that personal, institutional and human capital factors were critical predictors of RP among academics in Kenya. Policy implications of these findings are discussed.

Keywords: research productivity; earnings; academic prestige; Kenya; university research; gender; academic rank; university type; academic qualifications; human capital.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEED.2011.042406

International Journal of Education Economics and Development, 2011 Vol.2 No.3, pp.288 - 300

Published online: 11 Oct 2014 *

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