Research training: the Kenyan experience

Abstract

In this chapter, the author stresses the importance of research as a solution to social and economic challenges. Research survives if society appreciates and supports scientists in their efforts to achieve this. Wandiga maintains that many developing countries, including Kenya, lacks sufficient infrastructure to facilitate research practice. Scientific output from the Third World reflects the huge difference in research quality between developed and developing countries. The author asserts that the establishment of infrastructure alone would not create a successful research and science based community, as such infrastructure needs to be sustained and maintained. However, economic turmoil has had a negative impact on human resources development and this paper describes and explains the efforts that Kenya has made to alleviate this situation.