This paper focuses on the extent to which social science research has contributed to
Kenya’s national development agenda and poverty alleviation in particular. Discussions
draw from research activities at the Institute for Development Studies, within the College
of Humanities and Social Sciences at the University of Nairobi spanning a period of
slightly over 40 years.
At independence in 1963, poverty was, alongside hunger and disease identified as
Kenya’s main developmental challenges. Over the years, government has pursued several
policies with the aim of alleviating poverty. However, poverty remains elusive. Average
incomes remain very low and the actual incubators of poverty are yet to be identified and
adequately addressed.
This paper therefore aims to assess the extent to which social science research has been
consistent with the country’s development agenda. In particular, the paper looks at the
relationship between Kenya’s poverty alleviation efforts and the type of social science
research that has taken place over the years. Among the topics covered are: the issues
under investigation; the geographical coverage; source and type of data; and the mode of
dissemination.
It is generally observed that dissemination of research findings has shifted over the years,
moving from making of recommendations to government for uptake if they so wished, to
the current mode where central government works closely with other stakeholders in the
search for answers to development challenges. The paper concludes with suggestions on
what is required for governments to truly embraced research as the starting point in the
endeavour to realise national development.