STRATEGIES FOR SECURING INSTITUTIONAL FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY THROUGH ENHANCED ENTREPRENEURIAL CULTURE IN SELECTED PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES IN KENYA

Abstract

ABSTRACT
Higher education sector has lately been faced with tremendous changes attributed to economic crisis, changing financing models and subsequent revenue shortfalls. While such challenges are global in nature, their impact can particularly pose significant threats to sustainability of higher education institutions in developing nations such as Kenya.

This DBA thesis explores on strategies for securing institutional financial sustainability in selected public universities in Kenya. It looks into institutional governance, entrepreneurial culture manifestations, conditions required for entrepreneurial culture development, and their role in promoting financial sustainability.

Through 67 questionnaires, and 20 interviews from key informants, it is argued that creating atmosphere for EC manifestations is important for inception of innovative ideas and entrepreneurial intentions. Innovation and research commercialisation are important elements with potential for presenting universities as tenants for human capital. The thesis however finds that universities continue to experience challenges associated with abated institutional autonomy and academic freedoms.

The thesis further argues that more could be done regarding information sharing, particularly on profit sharing plans, so as not to disincentivise against participation in entrepreneurial opportunities. The thesis proposes that in requirement for accountability, the government needs to be flexible, and devise ways for empowering universities’ mechanisms for internal self-governance. Public universities need to take bold steps to expand income generation capacities.

The thesis proposes that the existing income generating units can be operated as private investment enterprises under supervisory or coordinating body to ensure effectiveness and sustainability. To fully enrich the university community with relevant knowledge and skills for promoting EC, there is need for universities to embark on structured initiatives such as entrepreneurial education, and meaningful collaboration with industry and in mentorship programmes.

Date of Award	13 Nov 2024
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	University of Bath
Supervisor	Dan Davies (Supervisor)