Conceptualizing University Autonomy and Academic Freedom: Reflections on state of Autonomy and Academic Freedom in Public Universities in Kenya

Abstract

There has been mixed view on the understanding and implication of the terms university autonomy and academic freedom. Different people have used the terms to imply different things, with academia looking at it as absolute freedom of universities to run their affairs. On the other hand, political leaders have taken these terms as delegated and thus needs to be exercised to enhance society’s social economic value. There is a consensus that university autonomy and academic freedom is a fundamental anchor of universities world over. Differences in conceptualization of these terms have resulted in friction between the political leaders and scholars. This paper therefore aimed at crystalizing the common bases of use and application of the terms with a view of creating a common understanding across the divide in order to reduce the tension. The paper also gives reflections on how the university autonomy and academic freedom has been perceived and applied in Kenya public universities. The debate on university autonomy and academic freedom seem to have evolved overtime and appears to have settled on a common conceptualization world over. The paper observes that, the terms university autonomy and academic freedom implies allowing universities adequate latitude to run their affairs in a way that it optimizes stakeholders’ value.