Factors Affecting Completion of Graduate Studies in Public Universities: A Case Study of University of Kabianga, Kenya

Abstract

The study examined the factors affecting completion of graduate studies in public universities in Kenya. Stakeholders have been in dilemma on what really contributes to graduate students graduating after stipulated programme time. This study therefore sought to determine the factors affecting completion of graduate studies in public universities a case study of University of Kabianga, Kenya. Specifically it examined student, supervisor and institutional factors role in completion of graduate studies. The study findings are very important in informing and suggesting actions to address the delays. The study used descriptive research design. The target population was 303 and a sample of 33% was randomly selected to respond to questionnaires. A total of 100 questionnaires were distributed but 64 questionnaires were returned comprising a response rate of about 64% which is an acceptable rate and was therefore considered adequate to carry out the analysis and make conclusions. Descriptive statistics in form of frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviation was used to analyze the data and results presented in tables. The study established that financial constraints, job related assignment and duties, students’ own commitment, academic and research environment, lack of motivation, post-marriage domestic responsibilities, poor guidance in topic selection, inability to use modern tools of communication, imposing of research topics by supervisors, lack of preparation and poor language skills affect postgraduate students completion of their studies on time. The recommendation of the study is for the students, supervisors and institution to address the challenges identified in order to improve graduate studies completion on stipulated programme time.