KENYATTA UNIVERSITY

SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH

BOARD OF POSTGRADUATE STUDIES

GUIDELINES FOR WRITING RESEARCH

PROPOSAL AND THESIS

APRIL 2017 EDITION

 PREAMBLE

This working document is a general guide for students to write research

proposals, projects and theses.

This document also will help supervisors in guiding postgraduate students in

matters related to research preparation, thesis production and project work.

In addition, the document explains ways of maintaining quality supervision

among postgraduate students and their supervisors (see section 9 – 12). It also
hints on how students registered for Graduate Courses in this school can
complete their courses within the stipulated time. This is only possible if the
students and supervisors work hard and in an enabling environment. How
this environment can be obtained has been described and explained in the
document (see 9 and 9.1, a & b).

In order to produce an agreeable guide, it is proposed that SHS, BPS and the
Dean of the School exhaustively discuss this document.

2
1. GENERAL INFORMATION AND UNIVERSITY GUIDELINES ON ACADEMIC
RESEARCH PROPOSALS AND THESES OF HEALTH SCIENCE TYPE

1.1 Supervision

Every Department shall formulate and execute its own policy on the
identification and allocation of supervisors. In principle, every student will have
2 supervisors. The lead supervisor shall be from the Department where the
student is registered. If no suitable supervisor is available from the Department,
a Supervisor could be sourced from within the School of Public Health. Beyond
the School, a supervisor could be sought from any Department in the University
so long as the person identified is in the candidate’s area of study. If at all a
third supervisor will be incorporated justification must be given.

1.2 Responsibilities of Supervisors

As principle resource persons to the students, supervisors shall:

 Be available for consultation at least once per month
 Respond to any written materials from their students within at most 2
weeks
 Guide students to relevant literature and their sources
 Link students to researchers working in related fields
 Discuss and critically evaluate the candidate’s findings and ideas
 Advice candidates on the form and structure of theses
 Train candidates in the conventions of scholarly presentations
 Advise students on rules governing their specific degrees
 Enhance the quality of a student’s work
 Ensure that written reports progress of a student’s studies are submitted as
required by University regulations
 Ensure that a student presents seminars at appropriate levels are required
by the University regulations.

In the absence of a supervisor for a substantially long time, arrangements must

be made by the Chairman of Department to ensure continuity in Supervision.

By placing his/her signature on the title page of the thesis, a supervisor is

certifying that the thesis represents the work of the candidate that was carried
out under his/her supervisor and is ready for official examination.

1.3 Role of SPH – BPS

With the decentralisation of proposal development and review at Departments,

SPH – BPS will be concerned with:-
 Clearing and forwarding of proposals to University Graduate School (GS),
strictly adhering to the school’s and University’s format.
 Receive and forward progress reports.
 Receive notices of submission endorse external examiners and appoint
examination board members.

3
  Attend to other matters that have bearing on postgraduate studies and
that are within its mandate e.g. scrutinising new or revised academic
programmes.

2. PROPOSAL FORMAT

2.1 Introduction

This guide is written with the awareness that some students have hitherto
experienced difficulties in writing proposals and theses. The main weaknesses
are:-

i. Unfocussed proposal titles leading to internal/inconsistence and

therefore rejected by School of Graduate Studies (SGS).
ii. Unclear statement of the problem
iii. Incoherent literature review
iv. Unclear study design and choice of methods of data analysis.

2.2 Content

(a) Cover Page

i) The cover page will be not have bear page number.

ii) All wording should be singled-spaced
iii) Items will be arranged on the following sequence:

 TITLE should be focused, informative and not more than 20 words

 Full names of student followed by highest qualification in standard
abbreviation in brackets.
 Registration number of student below the name
 Name of Department

Then follows the writing:-

“A research proposal submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the

award of the degree of (specify, eg. Master of Science, Doctor of Philosophy] in
the School of Public Health of Kenyatta University.”

(b) Student Declaration Page (Page ii)

To have the following writings:

“This proposal is my original work and has not been presented for a degree in
any other University.” Then the student signs above his/her name and
registration number, followed by the date.

e.g.

Signature ………………………………………… Date …………………………

Name Kinyoi, Daniel Mumo
E55/9307/2004

4
 Supervisors: This proposal has been submitted for review with our approval as
University Supervisors.

The supervisors, each with starting with main, sign above at least two of their
names written in full, together with their respective departments.

For example,

1. Signature.………………………………………………… Date ……………………….

Prof. Ephantus Kabiru
XYZ Department

2. Signature………………………………………………… Date ……………………….…

Dr. Otieno Ochieng
XYZ Department

(c) Abbreviations and Acronyms (Page iii)

Abbreviations and acronyms need to be given because they may be found in the
proposal

(c) Definition of Operational Terms (Page iv)

Various terminologies used in the proposal or thesis are defined here

(d) Abstract (Page v)

All proposals must have an abstract, which should not exceed one page; should
be single-spaced and not paragraphed. The abstract should consist of precise
spectrum of the entire proposal including opening sentences, the main
objective, methods (including data analysis) and justification. It should give an
overview of the proposal.

3. FORMAT OF MAIN BODY

Each major section e.g. INTRODUCTION should start on a separate page.

All sub and sub-sub sections should be in lower case (not capital letters).

3.1 CHAPTER I - INTRODUCTION

(a) Background to the study

Gives overview of the study focusing on the Title of the work to be done.
It should contain minimum literature review. This section should be
maximum one and half pages. It should give a global, regional and local
overview, narrowing to the problem being studied.

(b) Problem statement

5
 The problem should be identified as pertaining to the study area. It
should answer the question of the problem being studied in the specific
study location.

(c) Justification
Should address why the study in the specific site.

(d) Research Questions

To relate to objectives and testable
(e) Hypothesis(es)

(f) Objectives
Should be clearly stated and achievable
Should be SMART

(g) Significance
To explain the benefits and the beneficiaries of the findings of the study

(h) Limitation and Delimitation

Limitation
Gives the anticipated constraints which will limit the scope of the study.
The section should explain how the constraints will be addressed to
minimize the quality of the study.

Delimitation
Gives the extent to which the study will be carried out

(i) Conceptual/Theoretical Framework

This section depicts the concept as pertaining to the study. It is a broad
picture of the connection between the elements of the study. A figure is
usually included to capture the concept.

3.2 CHAPTER II - LITERATURE REVIEW

The student should demonstrate evidence of understanding the current

research on the subject under investigation and show clear gaps in knowledge
that will be discussed. Appropriate themes for this chapter can be developed
using conceptual framework content. Thus, relevant themes to the study and
derived review should be consistent with the requirements of the title (internal
consistency) and aspects of the introduction e.g. background to the study.
Extraneous material should be avoided.

3.3 CHAPTER III - MATERIALS AND METHODS

This Chapter highlights methodological details appropriate to the study. Thus:

(a) Research Design

State and justify the chosen design

6
 (b) Variables
Explain the independent and dependent variables

(c) Location of the Study

State where the study will be done (locate) and why it was chosen

(d) Study Population

Describe the study population; describing specifically who will be part of
the study. Keep in mind the UNIT of measurement

(e) Sampling Techniques

Explain clearly the methods that will be used to select the sample.

(f) Sample Size Determination

Describe how the sample size will be computed invoking the formulae to
be used.

(g) Construction of Research Instruments

Explain the instruments that will be used in the study and how they will
be constructed

(h) Pilot Study and Pre-Testing

Describe how piloting and pre-testing centres will be selected. [This will
depend on the type of study].

(i) Validity
Explain how the validity of the instruments will be established

(j) Reliability
Show and explain how the reliability of the instruments will be
established N.B. IF using standardized test, quote test and existing
validity and reliability levels

(k) Data Collection Techniques

Explain clearly how data collection will be done

(l) Data Analysis

Explain the methods that will be applied in analyzing the data.

(l) Logistical and Ethical Considerations

This section must be done in conformity with Ethical Review Committee
recommendations. The proposal will be submitted to an Ethical Review
Committee before approval for commencement of the study.

3.4 REFERENCES

References should be single spaced and listed alphabetically in the reference

list. For citation within the text the format of author and year of publication is
recommended as APA system in conformity with the KU format.

7
3.5 APPENDICES

Will include such items as work plan, budget, maps, questionnaires, etc.
numbered sequentially.

4. PROPOSAL PRESENTATION DETAILS

(a) Typing

4.1 All proposals in the School of Public Health should be typed in font 12 (Times
New Roman) on A4 size paper, double spaced, and on one side of the page.

4.2 Page margins will be as follows: left 40 mm (1.5 inches) all other sizes 25 mm (1
Inch)

4.3 Page numbering e.g. 1, 2, 3, etc should be top centre and start on the
INTRODUCTION page. All preceding pages except cover page should have
Roman Numbering system (i.e. i, ii, iii, etc)

4.4 The proposal should not exceed 20 pages for a masters thesis and 30 pages for
Ph.D. thesis, excluding references and appendices

4.5 Pagination: From title page, Abstract page, the numbering will be in Roman
lower case numbers (i, ii etc) in a consecutive manner.

a. Note that the text (from Chapter 1 to Appendices) should be

numbered consecutively using Arabic numbers, the page number
should appear in top centre
4.6 Bullets should not be used in the proposal or theses

(b) Tense
Future tense should be used in writing proposals

5. SUBMISSION OF PROPOSAL TO SPH – BOARD OF POSTGRADUATE

STUDIES

Three spiral bound copies, duly signed by the student and all supervisors will be
handed to SPH –BPS by the departmental representative to the board.

6. PROGRESS REPORTS AND NOTICES OF THESIS SUBMISSION

All supervisors are expected to sign and endorse the progress and notice of
submission forms.

Abstracts attached to the notices of thesis submission should not exceed one page,
must be single-spaced, and should bear the student’s name, registration number and
the title of the thesis.

7. THESIS FORMAT

The standard format shall comprise:-

8
7.1 Title Page (Page i)
Same as in proposal

7.2 Author
Full name of student should appear as it is in the registration form, while the
registration number should be written below the name, together with the name
of the Department, then follows the writing “A research thesis submitted for
the degree of …….. {Specify e.g. Master of Public Health (Epidemiology and
Disease Control)} in the School of Public Health of Kenyatta University”.
Then the date e.g. APRIL 2017.

7.3 Declaration Page (Page ii)

Should be similar to that in the proposal except that the word “Proposal” is
replaced with “thesis”, followed by the declaration words “This is my original
work ……” (as in the proposal).

7.4 Dedication Statement (Page iii)

Not exceeding 25 words for Masters Thesis and 30 words for Ph.D Thesis. This
follows declaration, beginning on a separate page.

7.5 Acknowledgement (Page iv)

This, begins on a separate page, should follow dedication and not exceeding 200
words.

7.6 Table of Contents (Page v)

This begins on a new page. It should assist the reader to know quickly and
clearly, how the thesis is organized. There must be consistence in the use of
headings and sub-headings.

7.7 List of Tables (Page vi)

This follows the table of contents, beginning on a separate page. Numbering
should be: Table 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 etc for tables on Chapter 1. Similarly Table 2.1,
2.2, 2.3 …… Table 3.1, 3.2, 3.3 ….. Table 4.1, 4.2, 4.3 ….. Table 5.1, 5.2, 5.3
….. for those in other respective chapters.

7.8 List of figures (Page vii)

This follows the list of tables and on a separate page. Numbering should be
Figure 1.1., 1.2, 2.1, 2.2, 3.1, 3.2 … etc, according to the chapters.

7.9 List of Plates (Page viii)

This follows the list of figures and on a separate page. Numbering should be
Plate 1.1., 1.2, 2.1, 2.2, 3.1, 3.2 … etc, according to the chapters.

7.9 Use of Tables, Figures and Plates

Tables, Figures and Plates may be included within the text or appear on
separate pages. If on separate pages, however, they should be placed close to
the text, which refers to them.

9
 N.B.
 No table, figure or plate should occupy more than one page. They should
also fit within the margins prescribed earlier.
 Each table or figure should have a full caption.
 Tables, figures and plates should be numbered in sequence and be cited by
a number in the text (numbering sequence is as shown in the previous
section on proposals).
 Photographs should be scanned and printed on A4 paper and on
appropriate page.

7.10 Abbreviation and Acronyms (Page ix)

As it is in proposal

7.12. Definition of Operational Terms (Page x)

7.13. Abstract (xi)

As it is in proposal except the tense changes to past.

7.14 CHAPTERS
Chapters I to III have content and form as those described in the section for
proposal. The future tense must change to past tense.

7.14.1 CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION

(a) Background to the study

This gives specific gaps that were considered to be the root of the
problem.

(b) Statement of the problem

Should be precise and focused. [as in proposal]

(c) Justification
Should be clearly stated. [as in proposal]

(d) Research Questions and Hypothesis(es)

Should related to the objectives and testable.

(e) Objectives (Main and Specific)

Should be clearly stated and should be achievable.

(f) Delimitation and limitation (optional)

Specifies the extent to which the study was carried out.

(g) Assumptions (optional)

Takes care of extraneous factors that may have affected the results of the
study.

(h) Conceptual framework and theoretical framework.

10
 Gives a conceptualized view of the study. If a certain theory fitted into a
study, this should include indication and discussion of the same.
(i) Significance of study

To explain the benefits and the beneficiaries of the findings of the study

7.14.2 CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW

The student should demonstrate evidence of understanding of current research

on the subject under investigation and show clear gaps in knowledge that were
addressed. Appropriate themes for this chapter can be developed using
conceptual framework content. Thus:-
2.1 Introduction
2.2 Relevant themes to the study and derived from related literature should
be developed and discussed here. The literature review should be
consistent with the requirements of the title (internal consistency) and
aspects of the “introduction” e.g. Background to the study”.
2.3 Summary of Literature review isolating the gaps to be addressed

7.14.3 CHAPTER THREE: MATERIALS AND METHODS

This chapter highlights methodology details appropriate to the study

Research Design: (to be stated as in proposal)

3.1 Variables
(as in proposal)

3.2 Location of study

(State where the study was due and why it was chosen)

3.3 Study Population

(Should describe the population who are subjects in the study)

3.4 Sampling Techniques and Sample Size

3.4.1 Sampling Techniques

Explanation of the sampling technique for each respondent (subject) to
be selected

3.4.2 Sample Size

Explanation of the sample size and how it was determined

3.5 Data collection tools/instruments

Description of data collections tools or instruments

3.6 Pilot Study or Pre-Testing

Description of sharpening of the data collection instrument.

3.6.1 Validity
How the validity of the instruments were established.

11
 3.6.2 Reliability
How the reliability of the instruments were established.

3.7 Data Collection Techniques

How data collection was done.

3.8 Data Analysis

3.9 Logistical and ethical considerations

Statement of this to be here

7.14.4 CHAPTER FOUR: RESULTS.

There should be minimum writing in this chapter. Tables, Figures etc should be
used to present the data. Discussion should be avoided.

7.14.5. CHAPTER V: DISCUSSION, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1 Discussion
Discuss the results and compare with other similar studies.
Summary of the study should be included as the last section of
discussion

5.2 Conclusion
Emphatic, strong conclusion based on the study findings should be
stated here and should be based on the specific objectives

5.3 Recommendations
To be based on the conclusions
Recommendations are categorized into two;

5.3.1 Recommendations from the Study

Directed to implementing agencies

5.3.2 Recommendations for further research

What is considered to be gaps left out by the study, which would
need further investigation through research, should be given

7.14.6 REFERENCES:
As stated earlier
That the guidelines indicate that the recommended referencing style is APA, both in text
and on the list of references

7.14.7 APPENDICES:
Attach all appendices referred to in the thesis.

12