Masters degree programmes worldwide (inter alia fashion design) require candidates to conduct advanced independent authentic research on selected emerging phenomena under expert academic supervision. In Kenya, research must constitute not less than one third of any Masters degree programme. A reconnaissance survey of fashion design Masters theses (1990-2017) in selected Kenyan Universities  revealed a glaring non-adoption of fashion design for sustainability (FDfS), applied research (AR) and human-centred design (HCD). This study analysed antecedents for non-adoption of FDfS, AR and HCD in the aforementioned theses in selected Kenyan Universities. The studies concerned consumer behaviour, fashion design training, sustainable fashion, textile science and the fashion industry. Theses’ non-adoption of FDfS, AR and HCD, resulted in the generation of little or no new knowledge and practical solutions to fashion conundrums encountered by diverse stakeholders, negating the essence of conducting research. This paper recommends, the development of new and revision of existing fashion design Masters programmes that incorporate more studio-based units particularly FDfS; teach emerging fashion design-related research methodologies; and alignment of research agenda to FDfS, AR and HCD and design-related qualitative methodologies. Essentially, fashion is a visual, cultural, and experiential phenomenon that can be fostered to provide better quality of life for all end-users.