Lecturers’ Perceptions on the Democratization of Open Science in Kenya: Case of Two Private Christian Universities in Nairobi County, Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to investigate university lecturers’ perceptions of democratisation in Open Science (OS) in Kenya, focusing on schools from 2 Private Christian Universities in Nairobi County, Kenya. While embracing the tenets of OS, there is a need for more conversation about how to collectively level the scientific landscape and ensure every emerging scientist from the Global South has an equal opportunity to their counterparts in the Global North. In that regard, the world should be moving towards the establishment of a scientific infrastructure that is openly accessible, inclusive, innovative, reflexive, flexible, and integrative in conducting research and sharing and disseminating knowledge across the globe. Without clear regard and principles to guide scientific internationalisation and collaboration between the Global South and North, the establishment of international research infrastructure may remain a pipe dream. In history, Europe and the United States of America (USA) prioritize their interests above all forms of global cooperation; therefore, they seek to maintain economic, political, cultural and scientific control over other nations of the world. Viewed through neocolonial lenses, OS may be viewed as a neocolonial strategy by the former colonial powers and the new superpowers to establish a new world order by flooding the world with Eurocentric ideas, scientific ‘knowledge’ and innovations to expand their economic, political and cultural interests. The study adopted a descriptive study design; data were collected from senior lecturers in the Department of Social Sciences in the 2 universities using a structured questionnaire. Data was analyzed and presented using tables showing frequencies and percentages. Interpretations and conclusions were drawn from the major findings, and recommendations for further research were made.