The School of Graduate and Advanced Studies (SGAS) has presented to the Kenya National Library Service (KNLS) copies of students’ Master’s dissertations and PhD theses. This initiative is in respect of the ongoing collaboration between the two institutions. The team from SGAS was led by the Director, Prof. Tom Kwanya, accompanied by members of staff and Mrs Joyce Mugenya, a Senior Librarian at TU-K’s Library and Resource Learning Centre. They were received by the KNLS Acting Director, Ms. Betty Kalugho, Head of Department Preservation and Conservation, Mr. Richard Rono, and Head of Department Acquisition, Cataloguing Classification and Distribution Department.
The presentation comprised 13 PhD theses and 7 Master’s dissertations. Ms Kalugho said KNLS will submit some of the copies to their branch in Buruburu for wider access. Earlier this year, TU-K submitted 7 PhD thesis and 12 Master’s Theses to KNLS for public access.
These academic works was a culmination of rigorous research by the University’s postgraduate students. The projects span a wide range of disciplines offered in the three faculties.
Prof. Kwanya highlighted the impact of research in society including wealth creation for sustainability and generally the good of society. “All research done are solving problems by making suggestions on how the society can improve,” he continued.
Prof. Kwanya pointed out some of the many influences of research including the impact they make on policies in society. For example, policies on leadership styles, policies within libraries and higher institutions of learning, food security and health which are critical in our development.
Ms Kalugho explained the major role they play as a national library in inculcating the reading culture especially in young individuals so as they grow reading becomes apart of them. “We also encourage children’s activities and expectant mothers to read for their babies,” she continued.
“A lot of Kenyans will find the research resource useful and it’s upon the library to give wide range of material for researchers to continue making impactful decisions. “We have still not signed an MoU for sharing the theses and dissertations on our E-learning platform with the public but are working towards it.”
TU-K is the first University to submit their student’s Postgraduate thesis at KNLS since Universities are encouraged to do so as a measure of prosperity, policy making and further research.
The University through SGAS offers Postgraduate programmes including diplomas, and certificates.
