Opinion: Kenya has one of the highest PhD dropouts, and students take up to 15 years studying

Kenya has one of the highest Ph.D. dropout rates in the world at 50% compared to less than 10% in many developed countries.

In addition, a doctorate program only takes three years; however, data from the Commission for University Education shows that many students take up to 10-15 years to complete while many others quit ultimately.

The problem is common within African Universities, with a 45 per cent dropout rate, making it worse than other world universities. 

Pursuing a Ph.D. signifies a dedication to rigorous academic research and is typically recognized as the highest level of academic success. However, achieving this distinguished degree has its challenges.

Many, including those in Kenya and various other global regions, have commenced this educational endeavour but still need to persevere to its completion. This exposition delves into the underpinnings of such premature departures from PhD programs, aiming for a comprehensive grasp of the predicament.

While a PhD necessitates profound commitment, encompassing intricate research projects and extensive study durations, the allure of personal accomplishments and prospective career advancements renders it a coveted journey for numerous individuals. However, several impediments deter continuity.

Among these are financial hurdles since a Ph.D. entails significant fiscal responsibilities, encompassing tuition, research expenditures, and potential foregone salaries from full-time jobs.

For numerous Kenyan scholars, economic strains emerge as primary culprits for abandoning their PhD aspirations. Additionally, the importance of a nurturing and insightful mentor must be balanced; yet, misalignments in the student-mentor relationship or scenarios where advisors, overwhelmed with their commitments, fail to offer essential guidance can stall a student's progress.

The strenuous nature of PhD endeavours can instigate stress, anxiety, and related mental health concerns, and in the absence of appropriate support systems, continuing might seem unfeasible

Doubts regarding the pragmatic advantages of a PhD, especially concerning employability and the degree's relevance in desired sectors, can further deter persistence.

Life's unpredictability, manifesting as health challenges, familial responsibilities, or other personal crises, might also sway attention and resources away from academic pursuits.

Some scholars, albeit eager initially, might discover they need to be more adequately equipped for the PhD's theoretical stringency, inducing demotivation and potential withdrawal.

How can we reduce the high dropout rates that impede the quality of education in our universities? The role of universities is paramount, and any deficits in academic resources, financial aid, or research amenities can obstruct a student's journey.

In specific cultural or societal constructs, protracted academic engagements might be outliers or regarded with suspicion, nudging individuals towards more conventional vocations. Illustrating this issue, many PhD students in our Kenyan universities recall the initial exhilaration of his research but acknowledge that escalating financial pressures, compounded by familial obligations and absent scholarship opportunities, compelled his exit.

In addition, many underscore academic impediments, emphasizing deficient access to pivotal research assets and a supportive mentor, leading her to reconsider the endeavour's merit.

Addressing these challenges necessitates multifaceted interventions. Comprehensive scholarship initiatives can mitigate financial stresses, while universities must underscore mental health, proffering tailored counselling, workshops, and resources.

Strengthened supervisory systems, encompassing mentor training and consistent feedback loops can ensure students are aptly guided. Additionally, delineating career paths and elucidating the tangible perks of a Ph.D. can bolster student motivation and improve completion rates.

Opting to exit a Ph.D. program prematurely is a weighty decision, typically arising from an amalgamation of seemingly overwhelming obstacles. By discerningly comprehending and confronting these challenges, Kenya's educational pillars can create a conducive milieu, facilitating more scholars in actualizing their Ph.D. aspirations.

The country's future in academic research and its intellectual eminence are contingent upon buttressing these zealous individuals through their demanding academic odyssey.

Dr. Odhiambo, Ph.D. teaches Actuarial Science at Meru University of Science and Technology (MUST) and a Post-Doctoral Researcher at Umeå University, Sweden.

Email: joabodhiambo2030@gmail.com

X: @Dr_Jodhiambo