Abstract:
This study was conducted at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology. It was
guided by communication model as propounded by Shanon and Weaver (1949). This study was
designed to investigate the influence of communication channels on management practices in
Kenyan public universities. The study specifically investigated the types of communication
channels used in the university and related the channels to the constraints faced in
communicating messages in the university. Literature was reviewed in relation to the above
stated objective. The study sample was drawn from MMUST and involved both academic and
administrative staff. The sample size was one hundred and fifty two (152) which represents
77.6% of the target population. Stratified random sampling techniques based on the
respondents’ job descriptions were used. The instruments for data collection involved use of
questionnaires and information from secondary data materials for instance the University Act
of 2007 and the employee survey findings of 2006. Data was analyzed using descriptive
statistics. The major findings revealed that MMUST had few channels of communication and
that the communication policy framework was in place. However, the study identified that
MMUST relies on Head of Departments, Group representatives, memos, notice boards, face to
face and telephone to communicate. The study therefore, recommended that MMUST
embraces new channels of communication (i.e. use of email) for efficiency purposes in addition
to the already existing ones. Also, the university should adopt strategies of enhancing
communication between the staff and administration.
