The Nairobi University

It does not take rocket science to understand or be able to explain why undertaking a Doctorate, PHD’s Program has become such a pain in Kenya. A CEO of one of the big Corporate in Kenya ones described ‘Kenyans are a populace of peculiar habits’; this statement captures quite a large array of issues besides the subject he was addressing at the time. Indeed, it’s only in Kenya you will find passing of knowledge to others not, as a privilege by those who God has given the mandate to do so. Obviously, for our learned Professors the bible verse, ‘when you work, works at it as if you are working for your Lord in heaven’ does not seem to apply.

Why does it take such a long time to attain and PHD or Doctorate? The greatest time wastage in the pursuit to a Doctorate and / or PHD, is usually not in the course work but the Project. The reason for this is the number of professors willing to supervise projects is limited. This has arisen from the fact that instead of a professor sitting down with a student to three hours monthly, to supervise their project for no pay, they would rather easily criss crossing the streets of Nairobi from one Campus to the next, where they are paid for hourly lectures even when they have taught for 30- 40mins just in case they find themselves caught up in traffic. I guess what I am trying to say is lectures are more appealing than supervising projects. It is therefore not a wonder that with the introduction of the Parallel programs lectures are available. Allow me to say just like having a great meal is usually quite fulfilling, cleaning of the plate is usually a big Job if you are the same person expected to clean it, that I, will liken to the end of a Doctorate, PHD project supervision.

I have had the opportunity to work in many corporate organisations. This particular scenario has not happened to me but I have witness a great number of my own employees go through it. The way the professors of the day are behaving only serves to remind me of how the hiring of a new employee into an organisation will be met with mixed reaction by other employees within the organisation. Whilst, some will be greatly overjoyed and will view this as an opportunity to share the workload,  increase efficiency and further the corporate Vision and Mission, a great number will be extremely threatened, and will view the same as a threat to their being and employment. The difference between these two kinds of employees is that one knows they are good at their jobs and have job security. For the other, it is a situation of lack of faith in self and their work, most of all they believe that if the employer gets an opportunity to do away with them they will most definitely do so at the earliest opportunity.

Our Professors in the various institutions have been caught up in the mentality of the threatened employee. Instead, of passing forth knowledge being an opportunity to leave a legacy it is sad that it has become a source of conflict and competitions and we would rather block out the field in order to have limited numbers. This makes the Vision and Mission of the country as a whole subordinate to greed for self sufficiency and self furtherance. In simple terms this is selfishness. Remember the same bible also says to whom much is given much is expected. Professors out there, what are you doing with the much God has given you?

This is not the only price those in pursuit of PHD’s and Doctorates have to pay. Besides the struggle to get supervisors for their projects at the end of the program many are left savaging what is left of their families. Wife’s /Husband’s and children have so been neglected by the studying party they have if not divorced, separated, and if they are living together barely accommodating each other’s presence in the same house as brother and sister. Those who have family’s that are steady have not only to live with daily demands of the work place, the long hours, envy from their fellow employees but also Job losses due to these elements.

Is this a fair price to pay for a Doctorate, PHD?

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