The Role Of Maasai Mara University In The Economic Development Of Its Environs

Abstract

The role of universities has advanced over time from being entirely academic to research. Some of them are even performing a third role as service to the community. The purpose of this study was to determine the role that Maasai Mara University plays in the area of its location towards economic development. The study considered three objectives; Human capital, research & innovation and science & technology. Endogenous Growth Theory was employed and from it the conceptual framework was developed. The study used the descriptive research survey design and the target population was the 261 fourth year students from the School of Arts and Social Sciences from which 27 were considered for the study. A questionnaire was used as a data collection instrument where a questionnaire was issued to each of the 27 respondents. Data analysis was done using version 21 of SPSS and findings represented using charts and tables. This study intends to encourage the university to develop as well as broaden its activities in the area. The findings of the study indicated that science & technology affects economic development more than the other two factors (.59). It is very significant to the development of the economy. It is then followed by human capital (39) and lastly research & innovation (.38). According to this study an economy depends mainly on science & technology for growth followed by human capital and lastly research & innovation. This study therefore concluded that for there to be supportive economic development among different stakeholders supported by MAMU there is need to promote science and technology to enhance this development. This study intends to encourage the university to develop as well as broaden its activities in the area