The purpose of this research study is to develop an approach to research on civic engagement and service learning in Kenya which examines the role of Kenyan Universities in preparing students for civic engagement, active citizenship and leadership. The research seeks to explore historical, political and cultural events, beliefs, attitudes, and policies that have shaped the mission of higher education in Kenya and describes how these influence the perception of role of Kenyan Universities in preparing students for civic engagement, citizenship and leadership through community service. This research is aimed at contributing to knowledge based on the gap identified in the literature review which is characterized by (1) inadequate access to or dissemination of research that addresses concepts of the civic, community service and student leadership in Kenya; (2) limited discourse on the current role of Kenyan Universities in society and (3) limited research on “Kenyan-centric” solutions to social issues.
This research thus takes into consideration multiple perspectives of varying University stakeholders and provides an innovative research design to that values the ’voice’ of the marginalized and other stakeholders who are to varying extents affected by the functions of the University but are often not consulted in the process of evaluating the role and relevance of the University.
The conceptual framework provides a reflective analysis on anthropological and socio-cultural perspectives, theories of knowledge, curriculum theories and service-learning theories and how these shape the focus of this research informed by literature review. The methodological justification underlying the research study is based on grounded theory which serve to shape the thinking about the research as well as determine ways in which sense will be made of the data during and after its collection.
The major findings were (1) phenomena such as the ethnic violence that erupted as a result of the electoral process influenced the participants’ perceptions of community, civic engagement, citizenship and leadership, (2) concepts were defined differently depending on the political climate and socio-cultural assumptions underlying the period of this study.