Are you struggling to formulate clear research objectives for your thesis, dissertation, or research proposal? Whether you’re a student at the University of Nairobi, Kenyatta University, Mount Kenya University, CUEA, Strathmore, or any other Kenyan institution, writing strong research objectives is one of the most critical skills you’ll need for academic success. This comprehensive guide will teach you everything you need to know about crafting effective research objectives that get supervisor approval and guide your research to completion.
What Are Research Objectives?
Research objectives are specific, measurable statements that clearly outline what you intend to achieve in your research study. They serve as the roadmap for your entire research project, guiding your methodology, data collection, analysis, and conclusions.
Think of research objectives as the detailed GPS directions to reach your research destination. While your research aim tells you where you’re going (the general destination), your research objectives tell you exactly how to get there (the specific route and stops along the way).
Why Research Objectives Matter
For Academic Success:
- Provide clear direction and focus for your research
- Help supervisors understand exactly what you plan to do
- Make it easier to design appropriate methodologies
- Guide your literature review and theoretical framework selection
- Form the basis for your research questions
- Determine what data you need to collect
- Structure your findings and discussion chapters
For Practical Research:
- Keep you on track throughout your research journey
- Help you avoid scope creep (trying to do too much)
- Make it easier to measure whether you’ve succeeded
- Enable realistic time and resource planning
- Facilitate clear communication with stakeholders
Research Aim vs Research Objectives: What’s the Difference?
Many Kenyan students confuse research aims with research objectives. Here’s the critical distinction:
Research Aim (Singular)
- What it is: A broad, overarching statement of your study’s purpose
- Number: Usually ONE main aim
- Scope: General and comprehensive
- Length: One to two sentences
Example Research Aim: “To examine the impact of mobile money services on financial inclusion among small-scale traders in Nairobi County.”
Research Objectives (Plural)
- What they are: Specific, actionable steps to achieve your aim
- Number: Typically 3-5 objectives
- Scope: Narrow and focused
- Length: One sentence each, usually numbered
Example Research Objectives:
- To determine the level of mobile money adoption among small-scale traders in Nairobi
- To assess the relationship between mobile money usage and access to credit facilities
- To identify barriers preventing traders from using mobile money services
- To evaluate the impact of mobile money on traders’ business growth and profitability
See the difference? The aim is the big picture—what you want to know overall. The objectives are the specific things you’ll investigate to answer that big question.
Types of Research Objectives
Understanding different types of objectives helps you choose the right approach for your study:
1. Descriptive Objectives
Purpose: To describe characteristics, patterns, or phenomena
When to use: Exploratory studies, baseline assessments, situation analysis
Action verbs: Describe, identify, document, examine, determine
Examples:
- “To describe the demographic characteristics of undergraduate students using university counseling services at Kenyatta University”
- “To identify common mental health challenges among university students in Nairobi”
- “To document current water and sanitation practices in informal settlements in Kibera”
2. Analytical Objectives
Purpose: To analyze relationships, correlations, or cause-and-effect connections between variables
When to use: Studies examining relationships, comparative research, impact studies
Action verbs: Analyze, compare, examine, assess, investigate, evaluate
Examples:
- “To analyze the relationship between study hours and academic performance among Form 4 students”
- “To compare financial performance between microfinance institutions and traditional banks in Kenya”
- “To examine the association between maternal education levels and child nutrition outcomes”
3. Predictive Objectives
Purpose: To forecast outcomes or predict future trends based on current data
When to use: Forecasting studies, trend analysis, modeling research
Action verbs: Predict, forecast, project, estimate, model
Examples:
- “To predict the impact of climate change on maize production in Rift Valley over the next decade”
- “To forecast mobile internet penetration rates in rural Kenya by 2030”
- “To estimate the economic impact of proposed tax reforms on small businesses”
4. Evaluative Objectives
Purpose: To assess effectiveness, efficiency, or impact of programs, interventions, or policies
When to use: Program evaluation, intervention studies, policy analysis
Action verbs: Evaluate, assess, appraise, measure, test
Examples:
- “To evaluate the effectiveness of the Competency-Based Curriculum in improving student learning outcomes”
- “To assess the impact of the Huduma Centre initiative on service delivery efficiency”
- “To measure the success of community health worker programs in reducing maternal mortality”
5. Exploratory Objectives
Purpose: To explore new areas where little research exists
When to use: Pilot studies, preliminary research, new phenomenon investigation
Action verbs: Explore, investigate, discover, examine
Examples:
- “To explore the challenges faced by female entrepreneurs in Kenya’s tech industry”
- “To investigate emerging trends in sustainable tourism along the Kenyan coast”
The SMART Framework for Writing Research Objectives
The SMART framework is the gold standard for writing research objectives. Every objective you write should meet ALL five SMART criteria:
S – Specific
Your objectives must be precise and unambiguous. Avoid vague language.
❌ Weak (Too Vague): “To study social media”
✅ Strong (Specific): “To determine the relationship between daily Instagram usage and self-esteem levels among female university students aged 18-24”
How to be specific:
- State exactly WHAT you will do
- Identify WHO your study focuses on (population)
- Specify WHERE the study takes place
- Define key variables clearly
M – Measurable
Include criteria that allow you to track progress and determine when the objective is achieved.
❌ Weak (Not Measurable): “To understand teacher motivation”
✅ Strong (Measurable): “To assess teacher motivation levels using the Teacher Motivation Scale across 20 secondary schools in Nakuru County”
How to make objectives measurable:
- Specify the measurement tool or method
- Define the sample size
- Indicate what data you’ll collect
- State how you’ll know you’ve achieved it
A – Achievable
Ensure your objectives are realistic given your resources, time, expertise, and access.
Ask yourself:
- Do I have the skills to do this?
- Can I access the necessary data or participants?
- Do I have enough time?
- Are required resources available?
- Is my sample size feasible?
❌ Not Achievable for Master’s Student: “To conduct a 10-year longitudinal study tracking 5,000 participants across all 47 Kenyan counties”
✅ Achievable for Master’s Student: “To conduct a 6-month cross-sectional study with 200 participants in three selected counties”
R – Relevant
Objectives must align with your research aim and contribute to answering your research question.
Every objective should:
- Connect directly to your research problem
- Help achieve your overall aim
- Contribute to filling the knowledge gap you’ve identified
- Be justified in your literature review
Test relevance by asking: “If I achieve this objective, will it help me answer my main research question?”
T – Time-bound
Include timeframes or specify when/how long data will be collected.
❌ No Timeframe: “To assess smartphone usage patterns among teenagers”
✅ Time-bound: “To assess smartphone usage patterns among teenagers in Nairobi over a three-month period (June-August 2026)”
How to add time dimension:
- Specify data collection period
- Include historical timeframes (e.g., “between 2020-2025”)
- State “current” if focusing on present state
- Define “recent” with actual dates
Step-by-Step Process: How to Write Research Objectives
Step 1: Start with Your Research Problem
Before writing objectives, you must clearly understand the problem you’re addressing.
Ask yourself:
- What gap in knowledge exists?
- What problem needs solving?
- What questions remain unanswered?
Example Research Problem: “Despite Kenya’s Vision 2030 emphasis on youth entrepreneurship, youth unemployment remains high at 39%. Limited research exists on specific barriers preventing young Kenyans from starting businesses.”
Step 2: Formulate Your Research Aim
Based on your problem, create ONE broad research aim.
Example Research Aim: “To investigate barriers to youth entrepreneurship in Kenya and identify strategies to promote youth business creation”
Step 3: Break Down Your Aim into Specific Objectives
Ask: “What specific things do I need to find out to achieve my aim?”
Brainstorm questions:
- What barriers exist? (Descriptive)
- Who is most affected? (Descriptive)
- How do different barriers compare? (Analytical)
- What solutions might work? (Evaluative)
Step 4: Write 3-5 SMART Objectives
Transform your questions into formal objectives using action verbs.
Example Objectives Set:
General Objective: To investigate barriers to youth entrepreneurship among university graduates in Nairobi County
Specific Objectives:
- To identify the main financial, educational, and regulatory barriers faced by young entrepreneurs aged 18-35 in Nairobi
- To assess the relationship between access to business training and entrepreneurial success rates among youth-led enterprises
- To compare entrepreneurship challenges between male and female young entrepreneurs
- To evaluate the effectiveness of existing government youth entrepreneurship support programs
- To recommend evidence-based strategies for improving youth business creation and sustainability
Step 5: Use Strong Action Verbs
Start each objective with an appropriate action verb that clearly indicates what you’ll do.
Recommended Action Verbs by Research Type:
For Descriptive Studies:
- Identify
- Describe
- Determine
- Document
- Establish
- Examine
- Explore
For Analytical Studies:
- Analyze
- Compare
- Assess
- Investigate
- Examine
- Evaluate
- Measure
For Relationship Studies:
- Determine (the relationship between…)
- Assess (the association between…)
- Examine (the correlation between…)
- Investigate (the link between…)
For Impact/Evaluation Studies:
- Evaluate
- Measure
- Test
- Assess
- Appraise
- Determine (the effect/impact of…)
❌ Avoid Vague Verbs:
- Understand (too vague—how will you measure understanding?)
- Appreciate (not measurable)
- Study (what does “study” mean specifically?)
- Explore (acceptable only for truly exploratory research)
- Learn
- Know
- Believe
Step 6: Format as a Numbered List
Present your objectives as a clear, numbered list.
Format:
General Objective:
[Your broad objective statement]
Specific Objectives:
1. [First specific objective]
2. [Second specific objective]
3. [Third specific objective]
4. [Fourth specific objective]
Step 7: Check Against SMART Criteria
Review each objective:
- ✓ Specific – Does it clearly state what, who, where?
- ✓ Measurable – Can I measure/verify achievement?
- ✓ Achievable – Is it realistic for my situation?
- ✓ Relevant – Does it support my research aim?
- ✓ Time-bound – Does it include a timeframe?
Step 8: Ensure Logical Flow
Objectives should follow a logical sequence that makes sense for your research process.
Common sequences:
Sequence 1: Describe → Analyze → Evaluate → Recommend Sequence 2: Identify → Compare → Determine relationship → Predict Sequence 3: Assess current state → Identify gaps → Evaluate solutions → Recommend improvements
Research Objectives Examples by Field
Business & Economics
Research Aim: To examine the impact of digital payment systems on small retail businesses in Nairobi
Objectives:
- To determine the adoption rate of digital payment systems (M-PESA, bank cards, mobile apps) among small retailers in Nairobi’s CBD
- To assess the relationship between digital payment adoption and monthly sales revenue
- To identify barriers preventing retailers from adopting digital payment methods
- To compare transaction costs between cash-based and digital payment systems
- To evaluate customer satisfaction with digital payment options in retail settings
Education
Research Aim: To investigate factors affecting student performance in mathematics in Kenyan secondary schools
Objectives:
- To determine the relationship between teacher qualification levels and student mathematics performance in Form 4 KCSE examinations
- To assess the impact of teaching resources availability on mathematics learning outcomes
- To compare mathematics performance between single-sex and mixed schools
- To identify study habits and practices associated with high mathematics achievement
- To evaluate the effectiveness of remedial mathematics programs in improving student scores
Public Health
Research Aim: To assess maternal health service utilization in rural Kenya
Objectives:
- To determine the proportion of pregnant women attending at least four antenatal care visits in selected rural health facilities
- To identify socio-economic and cultural factors influencing maternal health service uptake
- To assess the quality of maternal health services provided at rural health centers
- To examine the relationship between distance to health facilities and facility-based delivery rates
- To evaluate the effectiveness of community health worker interventions in promoting maternal health service utilization
Agriculture
Research Aim: To investigate climate-smart agricultural practices among smallholder farmers in Machakos County
Objectives:
- To identify climate-smart agriculture (CSA) practices currently adopted by smallholder farmers
- To determine farmers’ knowledge and awareness levels regarding climate change adaptation strategies
- To assess the relationship between CSA adoption and crop yield improvements
- To identify barriers limiting widespread adoption of climate-smart farming techniques
- To evaluate the effectiveness of agricultural extension services in promoting CSA practices
Information Technology
Research Aim: To examine cybersecurity awareness and practices among Kenyan SMEs
Objectives:
- To assess the current level of cybersecurity awareness among SME owners and managers in Nairobi
- To identify common cybersecurity threats faced by Kenyan SMEs
- To determine the relationship between cybersecurity investment and business data breach incidents
- To evaluate existing cybersecurity policies and practices in selected SMEs
- To recommend cost-effective cybersecurity measures appropriate for resource-constrained SMEs
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake 1: Too Many Objectives
Problem: Having 8-10 objectives makes your research unfocused and overwhelming.
Solution: Limit to 3-5 specific objectives. If you have more, some probably overlap or should be combined.
❌ Too Many:
- To identify barriers
- To determine challenges
- To establish problems
- To describe difficulties (These all say the same thing!)
✅ Better:
- To identify financial, regulatory, and market barriers facing young entrepreneurs
Mistake 2: Objectives That Aren’t Actually Achievable
Problem: Setting objectives that require resources, time, or access you don’t have.
Examples of unrealistic objectives for Master’s students:
- Conducting research in all 47 counties
- Following participants for 5+ years
- Collecting data from 10,000+ participants
- Requiring expensive lab equipment unavailable at your university
Solution: Be honest about constraints and scale objectives appropriately.
Mistake 3: Vague, Unmeasurable Objectives
❌ Too Vague:
- “To understand customer satisfaction”
- “To explore business performance”
- “To study social media effects”
✅ Specific and Measurable:
- “To measure customer satisfaction levels using the Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) among 200 bank customers”
- “To analyze the relationship between social media marketing expenditure and sales revenue among 50 Nairobi-based retailers”
Mistake 4: Confusing Objectives with Methodology
Problem: Describing HOW you’ll do research instead of WHAT you’ll achieve.
❌ This is Methodology (not an objective): “To conduct surveys among 300 respondents” “To use SPSS for data analysis”
✅ These are Objectives: “To determine the prevalence of smartphone ownership among 300 university students” “To assess the relationship between study time and exam performance using correlation analysis”
Mistake 5: Objectives Don’t Match Research Questions
Your objectives and research questions should align perfectly.
Example of Alignment:
Research Question: What factors influence consumer choice of mobile network providers in Nairobi?
Matching Objective: To identify factors (price, network quality, customer service, brand reputation) influencing consumer choice of mobile network providers among 400 Nairobi residents
Non-matching Objective: To determine customer satisfaction with mobile services (This doesn’t answer what influences choice!)
Mistake 6: Using Objectives as a Shopping List
Problem: Listing things you hope to achieve without connection to your research problem.
❌ Shopping List Approach:
- To review literature
- To collect data
- To analyze findings
- To write recommendations
✅ Proper Research Objectives:
- To identify [specific phenomenon]
- To assess [specific relationship]
- To evaluate [specific program/intervention]
Mistake 7: Mixing Different Levels
Problem: Having some objectives that are very detailed and others that are too broad.
❌ Mixed Levels:
- To assess the overall impact of tourism on Kenya’s economy (too broad)
- To determine whether tourists prefer Coca-Cola or Pepsi at beach hotels (too narrow)
✅ Consistent Level:
- To assess the economic contribution of coastal tourism to Mombasa County’s GDP
- To identify key tourism products driving revenue growth in the coastal region
How Research Objectives Guide Your Research
In Your Proposal/Chapter 1
Research objectives typically appear at the end of Chapter 1 (Introduction), immediately after your research questions and before significance of the study.
Standard placement:
- Background to the Study
- Statement of the Problem
- Research Aim
- Research Objectives ← Here
- Research Questions
- Significance of the Study
In Your Literature Review (Chapter 2)
Each objective should be reflected in your literature review. Organize your review around your objectives.
Example Structure: If your objectives are:
- To identify barriers…
- To assess relationships…
- To evaluate programs…
Your literature review sections might be: 2.1 Theoretical Framework 2.2 Barriers to [topic] (linked to Objective 1) 2.3 Relationship between X and Y (linked to Objective 2) 2.4 Evaluation of Similar Programs (linked to Objective 3)
In Your Methodology (Chapter 3)
Your methodology must explain HOW you’ll achieve each objective.
For each objective, explain:
- What data you’ll collect
- From whom/where
- Using what methods
- How you’ll analyze it
In Your Results/Findings (Chapter 4)
Organize your findings chapter around your objectives.
Chapter 4 Structure: 4.1 Introduction 4.2 Findings for Objective 1 4.3 Findings for Objective 2 4.4 Findings for Objective 3 4.5 Summary
In Your Discussion (Chapter 5)
Discuss findings in relation to each objective and your literature review.
In Your Conclusion
Summarize whether each objective was achieved and what you found.
Writing Objectives for Different Research Approaches
Quantitative Research Objectives
Focus on measurement, relationships, and numerical data.
Characteristics:
- Use variables language (independent, dependent)
- Specify sample sizes
- Name statistical tests where appropriate
- Focus on measurement and relationships
Example: “To determine the relationship between social media usage time (independent variable) and academic performance (dependent variable) among 300 undergraduate students using Pearson correlation analysis”
Qualitative Research Objectives
Focus on understanding, exploring, and describing experiences and meanings.
Characteristics:
- Emphasize understanding and meaning
- Use interpretive language
- Specify data collection methods (interviews, focus groups)
- Focus on depth rather than breadth
Example: “To explore lived experiences of female entrepreneurs navigating gender bias in Kenya’s tech industry through in-depth interviews with 15 women founders”
Mixed Methods Objectives
Combine both quantitative and qualitative elements.
Example Set:
- To measure the prevalence of depression among university students using the PHQ-9 depression scale (Quantitative)
- To explore students’ perceptions of mental health support services through focus group discussions (Qualitative)
- To develop evidence-based recommendations for improving campus mental health services (Integration)
Practical Tips for Kenyan Students
Tip 1: Align with Your University’s Format
Different Kenyan universities have specific formatting preferences:
Kenyatta University: Typically requires “General Objective” and “Specific Objectives” University of Nairobi: Often uses “Objectives of the Study” as section heading MKU: Usually requires clear distinction between broad and specific objectives
Check your department’s thesis/proposal guidelines!
Tip 2: Get Supervisor Approval Early
Don’t wait until you’ve written your entire proposal. Share your objectives early:
- Draft your objectives
- Schedule a meeting with your supervisor
- Get feedback and revise
- Revise based on input
- Get final approval before proceeding
Tip 3: Consider Local Context
Frame objectives with Kenya-specific considerations:
Include where relevant:
- Kenyan counties, cities, or regions
- Local institutions or organizations
- Kenyan policies or programs
- Local economic or social context
Example: Not just: “To assess mobile banking adoption” Better: “To assess mobile banking adoption rates and patterns among M-PESA users in Nairobi’s informal settlements”
Tip 4: Make Them Feasible for Your Level
Undergraduate (4th year project):
- 2-3 objectives maximum
- Simpler analysis
- Smaller sample size (50-100)
- Single location
- Shorter timeframe (3-6 months)
Master’s Thesis:
- 3-4 objectives
- More sophisticated analysis
- Moderate sample size (200-400)
- Multiple locations possible
- Longer timeframe (6-12 months)
PhD Dissertation:
- 4-5 objectives
- Advanced analysis
- Larger sample size
- Multiple locations/phases
- Extended timeframe (2-3 years)
Tip 5: Link to Kenya’s Development Agenda
Where appropriate, connect your research to national priorities:
- Vision 2030
- Big Four Agenda
- Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- County development plans
- Sector-specific policies
Example: “This research aligns with Vision 2030’s economic pillar by investigating barriers to youth entrepreneurship, supporting the goal of creating employment opportunities for Kenyan youth.”
Research Objectives Checklist
Before finalizing your objectives, use this checklist:
Content Check
- ☐ Do I have 3-5 specific objectives?
- ☐ Does each objective use a strong action verb?
- ☐ Are objectives clearly distinct from each other (no overlap)?
- ☐ Do all objectives together achieve my research aim?
- ☐ Does each objective help answer my research question?
SMART Check
For EACH objective:
- ☐ Specific: Is it precise and clear?
- ☐ Measurable: Can I measure/verify achievement?
- ☐ Achievable: Is it realistic for my resources/time?
- ☐ Relevant: Does it align with my research aim?
- ☐ Time-bound: Does it include a timeframe?
Technical Check
- ☐ Are objectives numbered in a logical sequence?
- ☐ Is each objective one sentence?
- ☐ Have I avoided vague verbs (understand, appreciate, study)?
- ☐ Is the language clear and jargon-free?
- ☐ Does the format match my university’s requirements?
Alignment Check
- ☐ Do objectives match my research questions?
- ☐ Will my proposed methodology achieve these objectives?
- ☐ Can my literature review support these objectives?
- ☐ Are objectives appropriate for my academic level?
Sample Complete Objectives Section
Here’s how your objectives section should look in your proposal:
1.4 RESEARCH AIM
To examine the impact of mobile money services on financial inclusion among small-scale traders in Nairobi County.
1.5 RESEARCH OBJECTIVES
1.5.1 General Objective
To investigate the role of mobile money services in enhancing financial inclusion among small-scale traders in Nairobi County.
1.5.2 Specific Objectives
To determine the level of mobile money adoption and usage patterns among small-scale traders in Nairobi’s central business district
To assess the relationship between mobile money usage and access to formal financial services among traders
To identify barriers preventing traders from fully utilizing mobile money services for business transactions
To evaluate the impact of mobile money services on traders’ business performance and financial management practices
To recommend strategies for enhancing mobile money adoption and financial inclusion among small-scale traders
FAQs: Research Objectives
Q: How many objectives should I have? A: Typically 3-5 specific objectives. Fewer than 3 might be too narrow; more than 5 becomes unfocused. Quality over quantity.
Q: What’s the difference between general and specific objectives? A: General objective is a broader statement (sometimes the same as your aim). Specific objectives break it into concrete, achievable steps.
Q: Can I use “to investigate” as my action verb? A: Yes, but be more specific when possible. “Investigate” is acceptable for exploratory research, but “assess,” “determine,” or “evaluate” are often clearer.
Q: Should my objectives match my research questions? A: Absolutely! Each objective should help answer one or more of your research questions. They should be two sides of the same coin.
Q: Can I change my objectives after proposal approval? A: Minor adjustments are usually acceptable with supervisor approval. Major changes typically require formal approval and may need committee review.
Q: Do I need one objective for each chapter? A: Not necessarily. Your objectives guide your entire study, but you don’t need a one-to-one match with chapters. However, your findings chapter often presents results organized by objectives.
Q: What if my supervisor suggests different objectives? A: Listen carefully to their reasoning. Supervisors have experience and know what works. Be open to revising your objectives based on their expert input.
Q: Can an objective include two different things? A: Avoid this. Each objective should focus on ONE specific aspect. If you’re tempted to use “and” to combine two things, you probably need two separate objectives.
Q: How detailed should objectives be? A: Detailed enough to be clear, but concise enough to be one sentence. Include key specifics (population, location, variables) but save methodology details for Chapter 3.
Q: Should I include my theoretical framework in objectives? A: No. Objectives state WHAT you’ll investigate, not the theoretical lens through which you’ll view it. Theoretical framework comes in your literature review.
Conclusion: Your Roadmap to Research Success
Well-written research objectives are the foundation of successful academic research. They:
✓ Provide crystal-clear direction for your study ✓ Help you stay focused and avoid scope creep
✓ Guide your methodology and data collection ✓ Structure your entire thesis or dissertation ✓ Make it easier to measure your success ✓ Demonstrate to supervisors that you have a clear plan
Key Takeaways:
- Use the SMART framework for every objective
- Start with strong action verbs (avoid vague terms)
- Keep objectives to 3-5 specific, measurable goals
- Ensure alignment between aim, objectives, and questions
- Make objectives achievable for your level and resources
- Get supervisor approval before proceeding
- Let objectives guide your entire research process
Remember: Your research objectives aren’t just a formality to get past your supervisor. They’re your personal roadmap to completing your thesis successfully. Invest time in getting them right, and the rest of your research will flow much more smoothly.
Need Help with Your Research Objectives?
At Tobit Research Consulting, we specialize in helping Kenyan university students develop clear, achievable research objectives that get supervisor approval. Whether you’re at UoN, KU, MKU, CUEA, Strathmore, or any other institution, our experienced research consultants can help you:
- Formulate SMART research objectives aligned with your research problem
- Ensure objectives match your university’s specific requirements
- Develop realistic objectives appropriate for your academic level
- Create a coherent structure connecting aims, objectives, and questions
- Refine objectives based on supervisor feedback
Ready to get your research objectives right? Visit Tobit Research Consulting or contact us today for expert guidance.
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