A paradigm Shift Approach in Transforming Arts and Humanities in East African Universities from Endangerment

Abstract

This paper discusses the current situation of the arts and humanities disciplines in East
African universities and their endangerment. Basing on a sample of 170 respondents, selected from 10
universities, the paper applies a mixed-method approach to collect primary and secondary data by
means of questionnaire and interview guides. The analysis applied the thematic approach. The
findings show that the causes of the arts and humanities disciplines include lack of government
support and sponsorship, misconceptions by the public and limited employability. Despite their
relegation to a weak position, it was found that these disciplines significantly contribute to both
national and international economies. In addition, they remain fundamental to contemporary
societies which call for a symbiosis between STEM and non-STEM disciplines. It is in this context that
this paper proposes a paradigm shift to save the arts and humanities from demise through the
following strategies: curricular reform, embedding sciences in culture, improvement of marketing and
admission approaches, assessment of the contribution of the arts and humanities to national and
international economies as well as adopting a competence and market-based approach.