Low Persistence of Part Time PhD Students at Kenyatta University’s Department of Educational Management: Reflections of a Supervisor

Abstract

The department of Educational Management, Policy and Curriculum Studies has witnessed a phenomenal growth of over 1000% in PhD enrolments in the last two decades from about 30 students in 2006 to over 300 in 2026. This increased enrolment can be attributed to a convergence of both global and local dynamics shaping the demand for graduate education. This steep rise in enrolment has brought to the fore some challenges that erodes the persistence of the students and eventually reduces their completion rates in the long run affecting the efficiency and effectiveness of the programme. This paper gives a narration of the challenges facing the PhD students in the department and which impact on their progress from the lens of a supervisor. Global literature on students’ persistence has been reviewed so as to contextualize the narrative. The narrative is given and compared with my experiences as a PhD student.