Ethical Considerations in Authorship and Postgraduate Supervision in Universities in Kenya
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Date
2023-05-31
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Journal of Education and Practice
Abstract
The emergence of knowledge economy has put premium on higher education. This has led to a rise in the
number of postgraduate training and reforms in higher education. Research, a core mandate of institutions of
higher learning, should enable states to meet development needs. Research for development will require the
highest standards possible in the conduct of research. This has led to calls for research ethics to protect
individuals, communities and the environment. In this study, we explore ethical considerations in authorship and
postgraduate supervision in universities in Kenya using a desktop survey. The study established that in Kenya,
Universities Standards and Guidelines 2014 and Harmonized Criteria and Guidelines for Appointment and
Promotion of Academic Staff in Universities in Kenya have apportioned the highest score on research and
publication for appointment and promotion of academic staff in universities. This is likely to trigger unethical
practices, increase authorship disputes and undermine collaborative research. The existing framework does not
provide for a criteria on authorship listing; and the mandate of Institutional Ethics Review Committees (IERCs)
is limited to approval of research proposal and treatment of human participants. Universities in Kenya have
developed procedures for appointment and specified the responsibilities of supervisors of postgraduate students.
However, very little has been done to train and inculcate research ethics in postgraduate students and supervisors.
To mitigate these, universities should develop criterion for awarding publication credit. IERCs should expand
their mandate to include ethical consideration beyond a research proposal and universities should train
supervisors on supervision and research ethics before appointment. Further research is required to determine the
preparedness of supervisors of postgraduate students in Kenya in the responsible conduct of research.
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Keywords
research ethics, authorship, supervision, universities. Kenya