From data neglect to data respect: A framework for institutionalising a sustainable research data management culture in Kenyan universities

Research Data Management (RDM) is increasingly recognised as critical for enhancing research integrity, efficiency, and data reuse globally; however, in Kenya, institutionalised RDM frameworks remain underdeveloped, resulting in fragmented practices, data loss risks, and limited data sharing and reuse. This study, drawn from a PhD investigation, proposes a comprehensive RDM framework informed by empirical evidence on current practices, enablers, and challenges in selected Kenyan universities. The study is anchored on the Australian Research Data Commons (ARDC) Capability Maturity Model for RDM and the UK Data Archive Research Data Lifecycle model. The framework was developed through a multi-stage mixed-methods study comprising a systematic review, a bibliometric analysis, and surveys examining the RDM landscape in Kenyan universities. A multiple-case study design involving six public and private universities, purposively selected based on the June 2023 Webometrics rankings, was adopted. Data was collected through interviews with six head librarians and five heads of research units, as well as questionnaires administered to 306 respondents from a targeted sample of 355. Quantitative data was analysed using IBM SPSS (Version 28), while qualitative data were thematically analysed using NVivo (Version 14). Triangulation and pretesting were used to enhance validity and reliability. All necessary ethical considerations were addressed before data collection. Findings indicate a growing awareness of RDM among researchers; however, practices remain largely ad hoc, poorly coordinated, and weakly supported institutionally. Notably, none of the universities studied had dedicated RDM policies, structured RDM support services, or dedicated RDM Information and Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure, revealing gaps across personal, institutional, and national levels. This study proposes a multi-level, stakeholder-driven RDM framework that integrates researchers, librarians, ICT personnel, research offices, and key national agencies such as the National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation (NACOSTI), the Commission for University Education (CUE), and the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC) to support coordinated, policy-driven data stewardship aligned with international best practices for sustainable RDM in Kenyan universities.