The Constraint of Academic Excellence in Pursuit of University Education in Kenya

Abstract

The pursuit of academic excellence in education, especially in teaching, research, and dissemination of knowledge at the university in Kenya and beyond has been elusive to both learners and lecturers.Precisely, most universities in Kenya have, to a notable extent, failed to inject quality to maintain excellence in carrying out its core business of teaching, research, and dissemination of knowledge desired to develop the society. This non-compliance does not sit well with the vision and mission of most universities’ that put significant emphasis on academic excellence. The factors contributing to this appalling situation are multifarious and challenging to the stakeholders of university education. Arguably, lack of adequate human and material resources, meaningful curricula, reading culture, effective management, good will among other factors have undermined maintenance of excellence in university education. Indeed, the ultimate product of university education has been half baked and non-functional in scholarship and labour market. Furthermore, these graduates have been prepared in some cases by lecturers who are not adequately grounded in theory and practice of university scholarship. Therefore, it is imperative for this study to make an appraisal of teaching, research, and dissemination of knowledge at the University. The study will propose dependable solutions and way forward to improve quality of university scholarship in Kenya and beyond. Interms of methodology, the study will collect data by use of observations, questionnaires, and faceto face interviews with students, teaching and non-teaching staff. The data will be analyzed, interpreted, and findings reported using statistical and descriptive procedures. It is envisaged that the study will immensely contribute to the improvement of pedagogy, research, dissemination of knowledge, and management of human and material resources at university level. Key Words: Academic, Excellence, University, Education, Quality