The Role of Organizational Communication in Linking
Research to Economic Policy Formulation in Kenya
By Charles Owino
Registration No: K90/93732/2013
A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor
of Philosophy (PhD) at the University of Nairobi
2014
Supervisor
Dr. Hezron Mogambi
Abstract
The absence of vibrant communication strategies in most organizations in Kenya, and in particular
government departments has significantly compromised the research-to-policy mechanism. Perception
and explanations of science vary in different societies; however, it is still imperative to recognize that
policy formulation is a complex political process anywhere in the world. Today’s policy making takes
place in a turbulent political, social and economic environment, consequently emerging trends, issues
and events impose significant threats that unprepared organizational providers can only react to. Factors
that would explain the gap between research and policy are diverse, and to an extent remain contested,
although the dearth of information and communication plays a key role.
Data for this study were collected from 308 units using self-administered questionnaires and interviews.
This included a sample of 69 economic researchers and 135 policy-makers in Kenya. Views from seven
research institutes and 87 beneficiaries of public policies were also taken into consideration. A focus
group discussion that involved ten persons drawn from the research, policy, civil society, donor
community, beneficiary and the media concluded the data collection phase. A descriptive study research
design was adopted, where the qualitative and quantitative data were analyzed by the use of descriptive
statistics. Content analysis was used to analyze data collected from open ended questions of qualitative
nature. The presentation is done using frequency and percentage scores in a tabular format. The
interpretative framework for this work is derived from Weick’s (2004) Organizational Information Theory
that emphasizes the importance of human interaction as central to processing information.
This study focused on how the research and policy interface needs to be fashioned to provide a realistic
role, relevance and contribution of the two most important stakeholders; that is researchers and policymakers. The results indicate that the research and policy communities are worlds apart, and that
stakeholders need to come together to try and bridge this communication gap at the local organizational
and national policy levels. The conclusion drawn from the study is that there is very limited
communication (information sharing) between the two communities at high levels; therefore a major
strategic objective that ought to be pursued is to strengthen and formalize communication among
researchers, planners and policy-makers. The recommendation is that all this warrants the design of an
effective communication strategy at all levels of policymaking. Such a strategy would include all
stakeholders who need to work together to understand the role, contribution and potential of each, and
find ways and means of working for the improved welfare of the public. Details of the findings of the
study are shared in Chapter four of this thesis.