Kenyatta University Thesis Format: A Complete Breakdown for Students
Writing a thesis is one of the most significant academic undertakings you will face during your postgraduate studies. The process can be overwhelming, especially when you must navigate the specific formatting requirements of your university. At ProposalWritersKenya, we understand these challenges intimately and have helped countless students craft well-structured, submission-ready theses that meet Kenyatta University’s rigorous standards. Whether you need assistance with your thesis proposal or full thesis writing support, our team of experienced academic writers is here to guide you through every step of the journey .
Kenyatta University has established comprehensive formatting guidelines that all postgraduate students must follow when preparing their theses for submission and examination. This article provides a complete breakdown of these requirements, helping you avoid common formatting errors that can delay your graduation.
General Formatting Requirements
Before you begin typing your thesis, it is essential to understand the basic formatting rules that apply to every page of your document.
Paper and Typing Specifications
Paper Size: A4 (210 x 297 mm) high-quality paper
Font: Times New Roman, size 12 throughout
Line Spacing: Double-spaced throughout the entire document
Printing: One side of the paper only; typed carbon copies are not accepted
Margin Requirements
Left Margin: 50 mm (1.5–2 inches) to allow for binding
Right Margin: 25 mm (1 inch)
Top Margin: Typing begins 40 mm from the top of the paper
Bottom Margin: Not beyond 25 mm from the bottom of the page
Additional Formatting Rules
All chapters must begin on a new page and be centered
Chapter headings: Times Roman size 12, bold, upper case, centered
Subsections: bold lower case
The first line of each new paragraph must be indented five spaces
When a heading appears near the bottom of a page, it must be followed by at least one complete line of text, or it should be forced to the top of the next page
List of candidate’s publications emanating from the thesis should be appended
Preliminary Pages (Front Matter)
The preliminary pages (also known as front matter) are numbered using small Roman numerals (i, ii, iii, iv, etc.) and are organized in the following sequence .
Title Page
The title page bears no page number. It must include :
The thesis title in capital letters at the top
The candidate’s full name below the title
The legend: “A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment for the degree of [insert degree name and specialization] Kenyatta University” (PhD candidates may have their own specifications)
The date of submission in the form of month and year
Declaration Page
The second page (unnumbered) contains two declarations :
Student Declaration: “This thesis is my original work and has not been presented for a degree in any other University.” The student then signs above their name and registration number, followed by the date .
Supervisor Declaration: “We as University supervisors confirm that the work reported in this thesis was carried out by the candidate.” All supervisors sign with their full names, titles, and departments .
Dedication (Optional)
A brief dedication to family, mentors, or others who supported your research journey.
Acknowledgements
Acknowledge your supervisors, funders, technical support staff, and family members who contributed to your research. This section is not required at the proposal stage but should be included in the final thesis .
Table of Contents
Lists all major sections, chapters, and subheadings with page numbers
Chapter titles should be in capital letters and bold
The rubric should be single-spaced and in title case
Leader dots connect entries to page numbers
Subheadings should follow each chapter title in title case
List of Tables
Numbered in separate sequence (e.g., Table 1, Table 2, etc.)
Each table must have a full caption
Number tables sequentially within chapters (e.g., Table 1.1, Table 1.2)
Captions should appear at the top of tables
List of Figures
Numbered in separate sequence (e.g., Figure 1, Figure 2, etc.)
Each figure must have a full caption
Captions should appear at the bottom of figures
Figures include graphs, photographs, illustrations, diagrams, and maps
List of Abbreviations and Acronyms (Optional)
Alphabetical list of abbreviations and acronyms used in the thesis
Provides full definitions for each abbreviation
Abstract
Not exceeding two pages, double-spaced
Not exceeding 500 words
Gives a concise overview of the entire thesis, including background, main objective, methods, and key findings
Should begin on a new page following the Table of Contents
Some schools may have additional requirements (e.g., single-spaced, not paragraphed)
Pagination Rules
Proper pagination is critical. All pages in the thesis must be numbered consecutively, with the number appearing in the centre of the upper margin .
| Section | Numbering Style |
|---|---|
| Title Page | No page number |
| Preliminary Pages | Small Roman numerals (i, ii, iii, iv…) |
| Main Text (Chapter 1 onwards) | Arabic numerals (1, 2, 3…) |
| Page Number Position | Centre of the upper margin |
Pages bearing graphs, diagrams, photographs, etc. should also be numbered unless the numbering spoils or detracts from the presentation. When such numbering is omitted, subsequent pages are numbered as if the un-numbered page carried a number.
Chapter Structure
Kenyatta University theses typically follow a five-chapter structure for master’s theses . PhD theses may have additional requirements, including publishing at least two peer-reviewed journal articles based on the research before submission .
Standard Five-Chapter Thesis Structure
Chapter One: Introduction
Background to the Study
Statement of the Problem
Research Objectives
Research Questions
Justification and Significance of the Study
Scope and Delimitation
Theoretical and Conceptual Framework
Definition of Key Terms
Chapter Two: Literature Review
Introduction
Theoretical Review
Conceptual Framework
Review of Empirical Literature (organized by themes)
Research Gaps
Summary
Chapter Three: Research Methodology
Introduction
Research Design
Target Population
Sampling Techniques and Sample Size
Data Collection Instruments
Data Collection Procedures
Data Analysis Methods
Pilot Study, Validity, and Reliability
Ethical Considerations
Chapter Four: Results and Discussion
Introduction
Data Analysis and Presentation (organized by research objectives)
Discussion of Findings (referencing the literature review)
Chapter Five: Summary, Conclusions, and Recommendations
Introduction
Summary of Findings
Conclusions
Recommendations
Areas for Further Research
Tables, Figures, and Plates
General Requirements
Numbering: Tables, figures, and plates shall be numbered in separate sequences
Citation: Each must be cited by number in the text (e.g., Table 1, Figure 1)
Captions: Each table, figure, and plate shall have a full caption
Margins: There should be a 60 mm margin around all figures, diagrams, and plates
Photographs: Should be scanned and printed on A4 paper and on the appropriate page
Size Limit: No table, figure, or plate should occupy more than one page
Table and Figure Caption Placement
Table Captions: At the top of the table
Figure Captions: At the bottom of the figure
Referencing and Citation Style
Literature must be cited by author and year of publication or by number in the text
A list of references must appear at the end of the thesis
Schools and departments may vary in the way they cite literature, provided the citing is in accordance with accepted international conventions
APA format (author and year of publication) is recommended in many KU schools
References should be single-spaced and listed alphabetically
Submission and Examination Process
Notice of Intent
At least three months before submitting a thesis, a candidate must give notice of intention using the prescribed form KU/GS/ADM/2 to the Dean of the Graduate School, submitting at the same time the title and an abstract (not longer than 2 pages, double-spaced) outlining the general scope of the work .
Submission Copies
The thesis must be submitted in quadruplicate (four copies)
Each copy must be accompanied by a declaration confirming that the thesis has not been submitted for a degree in any other University and that the contents are the candidate’s original work
The original thesis must be submitted, and copies taken from it must be good-quality photocopies (typed carbon copies are not accepted)
All four copies submitted to the Dean, Graduate School (through the Chairman of Department and Dean of relevant School) remain the property of the University and are distributed to the relevant School, Department, Library, and Graduate School
Examination Board
The Senate, on the recommendation of the Board of the Graduate School, appoints a Board of Examiners for each candidate presenting a thesis, consisting of :
Dean of the Faculty (or Senate-appointed chair)
An external examiner
Two internal examiners (one must not have supervised the candidate)
Two other competent persons not from the candidate’s Department
A Senate representative not from the candidate’s School
Each examiner must submit an independent written assessment of the thesis within five weeks, indicating strengths and weaknesses, adequacy of content and form, and whether the degree should be awarded .
Resubmission
A candidate whose thesis is referred for revision must resubmit within twelve months. A thesis may be presented for re-examination only once.
Binding Requirements
After examination and making necessary corrections, the thesis must be bound according to the following specifications :
| Degree | Binding Color |
|---|---|
| Master’s Degree | Black |
| PhD Degree | Maroon |
Spine Embossing (in gold)
Master’s and PhD: Initials and surname, the degree for which the thesis is submitted, and the year
The text should read from left to right when the title page is uppermost
Font size can be adjusted according to the thickness of the thesis
Front Cover (in gold)
Title of the thesis
Initials and name of the candidate
Kenyatta University
Year
Checklist Before Submission
A4 paper, one-sided printing
Double-spaced, Times New Roman 12 throughout
Margins: 50mm left, 25mm right, 40mm top, 25mm bottom
Preliminary pages numbered with Roman numerals (i, ii, iii…)
Main text numbered with Arabic numerals (1, 2, 3…)
Page numbers positioned in the center of the upper margin
Chapters each starting on a fresh page
Title page not paginated
Declaration signed by student and supervisors
Abstract under 500 words, not exceeding two pages
Tables/figures with full captions and numbered in separate sequences
References alphabetically listed and formatted consistently
List of candidate’s publications appended (if applicable)
Binding: Black (Master’s) or Maroon (PhD)
Notice of submission submitted 3 months before
Plagiarism check completed (Turnitin report where required)
Conclusion
Understanding and following Kenyatta University’s thesis formatting guidelines is essential for a successful submission and smooth examination process. By adhering to these requirements, you demonstrate professionalism and attention to detail—qualities that examiners and supervisors appreciate.
However, we understand that managing the complex formatting requirements alongside your research can be overwhelming. At ProposalWritersKenya, we specialize in helping students like you navigate the entire thesis writing and formatting process. From developing a strong proposal to ensuring your final thesis meets every formatting guideline, our expert team is here to support you. Visit our website today to learn how we can help you achieve your academic goals with confidence.