Interrogating Epistemic Governance and Methodological Nationalism in Contemporary Kenyan African Studies

{ "background": "The field of African Studies in Kenya is shaped by complex intellectual traditions and institutional frameworks. Recent scholarly debates have highlighted concerns regarding the dominance of Eurocentric epistemologies and the uncritical adoption of the nation-state as the primary unit of analysis, known as methodological nationalism, which may obscure local knowledge systems and transnational dynamics.", "purpose and objectives": "This survey research aimed to systematically investigate the prevalence and manifestations of epistemic governance and methodological nationalism within contemporary Kenyan African Studies. Its objectives were to map scholars' perceptions of dominant knowledge paradigms, assess the methodological frameworks employed in recent research, and identify key challenges to producing locally-grounded scholarship.", "methodology": "A cross-sectional online survey was administered to a purposive sample of established and early-career researchers affiliated with universities and research institutes in Kenya. The instrument utilised both Likert-scale questions and open-ended items to collect quantitative and qualitative data on research practices, theoretical influences, and perceived constraints. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics and thematic analysis.", "findings": "A significant proportion of respondents (over 60%) reported that their research questions are frequently shaped by international donor agendas or global academic trends, indicating a form of external epistemic governance. Thematic analysis revealed a persistent tension between employing internationally legible methodologies and the desire to develop context-specific approaches that centre Kenyan and African perspectives.", "conclusion": "The study concludes that while there is a strong critical awareness of epistemic asymmetries and methodological nationalism among scholars, institutional and funding structures often perpetuate these very issues, creating a gap between critique and practice.", "recommendations": "Recommendations include developing stronger institutional support for autonomous research agendas, fostering methodological innovation that transcends national frameworks, and creating platforms for the systematic archiving and dissemination of locally-produced knowledge.", "key words": "epistemic governance, methodological nationalism, African Studies, Kenya, research methodology, decolonisation, knowledge production", "contribution statement": "This paper provides the first systematic, survey-based evidence of the operational mechanisms of epistemic governance and the enduring constraints