Quality of research and performance of government research institutes in Kenya

Abstract

Quality is a complex subject where different quality gurus define it in somewhat different way from each other, leaving no real consensus on definition. This dilemma is transferred to determining quality of research, whereby quality of research is inferred through indicators, rather than being defined. Indicators of quality that have gained practical application are: the establishment and use of a quality management system, independent party evaluation of outputs through peer reviewing and certification, collaboration and partnerships for benchmarking against the best practices by the industry leaders while adding knowledge, and finally the status of facilities and infrastructure. The design adopted for the study was descriptive survey. Data was collected using a questionnaire which consisted of both open and closed ended questions. The data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics and also an inferential analysis involving a regression was performed. The findings of the study are that there is general awareness of the importance of quality, and that all Institutes have made genuine efforts to control and manage the quality of their research processes and products. Also, that the four indicators of quality were found to be statistically significant and therefore valid indicators to be used for the study. The study recommends that future studies be carried out to establish the other indicators represented by the 24 percentage. Further, that comparative study be made for government research institutes in Kenya and similar institutes in the East African community.