Mandate

The mandate of NSEC is within the greater objective of the Commission to regulate and assure quality in the Science, Technology and Innovation sector and advise the Government on matters related thereto. Specifically, NSEC’s functions fall within the Commission’s goals of:

  • Accrediting research institutions and approving all scientific research in Kenya; and
  • Assuring relevance and quality of research programmes in research institutions.

The specific functions of NSEC are to:

  1. Advise on Scientific Research Systems, and Research ethics policy issues to support the Commission’s goal of ensuring high quality, reliable, relevant, safe, and sustainable research systems in line with National Priorities;

2. Advise the Commission on the establishment, accreditation and management of Institutional Scientific and Ethical Review Committees (ISERCs);

3. Provide peer oversight and expert advice, as well as make recommendations to the Commission on the quality, scientific merit, rigor, relevance, appropriateness, relative priority, and other pertinent aspects of Research Proposals/Research Reports referred to the Committee by the Commission;

4. Promote a deeper understanding of scientific and ethical issues related to research systems, and contribute to the development and implementation of the National Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy;

5.  Jointly monitor, evaluate, and ensure that all research and technology innovation conducted adheres to ethical standards, scientific requirements, social values, Codes of Practice, and all regulatory and legislative obligations;

6. Provide a conduit for the recognition, classification, mentoring, and accountability of researchers under the guidance of the Commission, and in consultation with Institutional Scientific and Ethical Review Committees (ISERCs)

7. Make recommendations to the Commission on the potential of patenting, registration and commercialization of Research findings/outcomes referred to the Committee by the Commission;

8. Advise on Institutional Intellectual Property Management;

9. Review protocols referred to it by the Commission;

10. Nominate members to participate in inspection, monitoring and evaluation of Institutional Scientific and Ethical Review Committees (ISERC) when called upon by the Commission;

11. Promote training of Institutional Ethics Review Committees;

12. Ensure quality assurance and ethics in research and technology innovation in the country, and advise on appropriate training programmes for researchers on issues of ethical compliance and good research practice;

13.  Submit to NACOSTI short-term report (when called upon), and an annual report of the work, activities and experiences of NSERC, as well as research accomplishments, impacts, , innovations, risks, ethical issues and recommendations;

14. Foster debate, education and public awareness of, and engagement in, research, technology and innovation, as well as relevant ethical issues;

15. Undertake any other relevant assignment as may be delegated to you by the Director General, NACOSTI.