Analysis of Doctoral research at the Department of Physical Education and Exercise Science, Kenyatta University (1988-2011): Implications for health and sports development in Kenya

Abstract

This article analyses studies which were conducted for doctor of philosophy degrees in the department of Physical and Health education and Exercise Science at the Kenyatta University with a view of appraising their impact and possible contribution towards sports development in Kenya. Twelve (12) studies were reviewed over the 25-year period which cut across a broad spectrum of areas of study in Physical Education and Sport ranging from Anthropology and Sports History, Didactics, Sports Administration, Outdoor Education, Social-Psychology of Sports, fitness and health-related aspects. Soccer, athletics and volleyball were predominantly investigated in the studies. In most of the studies the findings were descriptive in nature and have limited applications needed to address strategic priorities of sports development in Kenya. The department need to encourage studies which are relevant to the numerous and diverse areas in sports in Kenya and most aptly relevance to the Kenya population. Implications of the findings for post-graduate Physical Education curriculum review are discussed.

Keywords: Research, Physical Education and Sports, Kenyatta University, health, sports promotion and development.