Postgraduate Student’s Enrolment and Education

Public universities in Kenya face persistent challenges of delayed and low completion rates among postgraduate students. This research article analyses enrolment trends from 2015 to 2024, using questionnaires, interviews, and document analysis. The target population is based from the figure of 23,219, with a sample of 435 respondents selected using Krejcie and Morgan's formula. Data were collected from students, academic leaders, and faculty, and a pilot study was conducted to ensure reliability through the Test-Retest method. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data underwent thematic analysis. Trend and time series techniques were applied. Results showed a 90% increase in postgraduate enrolment and a shift in preference from humanities (30% to 20%) to sciences (40% to 55%). It concludes that strong graduate governance structures enhance completion rates and recommends flexible learning modes, scholarships, and structured mentorship programs to improve timely completion in public universities.