Availability and Utilization of University Funds and Implementation of the Core Mandates of Public Universities in Kenya

Abstract

The terms "availability" and "utilization" relate to the sources from which the institution can easily raise money and use it in accordance with established guidelines. It serves as the cornerstone of daily activities at the university. Due to funding shortages resulting from the Differentiated Unit Cost (DUC) funding model's implementation, the researcher was forced to evaluate the availability and use of university funds in order to comprehend the sources of those funds and the limitations imposed on them in order to ensure smooth utilization. Vice Chancellors of Kenya's public universities as well as heads of faculties, schools, and institutes provided information for the study. Three hundred and sixty people were the study's target population. Nine Vice Chancellors and ninety-nine heads of faculties, schools, and institutions made up the sample of one hundred and eight, which was obtained by applying a thirty percent of the target population rule. Using stratified random sampling, nine universities of study were selected. Data were gathered via interviews and questionnaires. Lecturers in Garissa University's Department of Educational Management used their expert judgment to determine validity. Utilizing Cronbach's alpha index, the reliability of the questionnaire items was examined. The results from the questionnaire were analyzed using Pearson r, while the data from the interview schedule were evaluated thematically. The results of this study showed that public universities in Kenya were mostly dependent on government capitation for operations rather than endowment funds, which prevented them from allocating funds for research or paying back money withheld for SACCOS or KRA on time. The findings also demonstrated that budget deficits might be reduced by carefully calculating student fees. Results showed that there was only a slight association (r (68) =.22, p =.072) between the implementation of public universities' main mandates and the availability and usage of university finances. In order to assure sustainability, this study advised colleges to diversify their revenue streams and adhere to financial sources' regulations and guidelines. Keywords: Pearson r, correlation, availability, utilization, and differentiated unit cost model.