KCA University officially launched its Institutional Scientific and Ethics Committee (ISERC) on February 18, 2025. The launch ceremony, held in the university’s conference room, was attended by the Director General of the National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation (NACOSTI) as the chief guest.
In October 2024, the National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation (NACOSTI) accredited KCA University’s ISERC to conduct ethical reviews of research proposals in the social sciences. KCA University’s accreditation strengthens its capacity to review and approve research proposals, upholding the highest ethical standards within the social sciences. This ensures that all studies adhere to strict ethical guidelines protecting the rights and welfare of participants.
This NACOSTI accreditation underscores KCA University’s commitment to top-tier ethical standards in social science research. This will improve the university’s ability to review and approve research proposals, ensuring all studies adhere to strict ethical guidelines for participant protection.
The launch demonstrates the University’s dedication to research, innovation, and commercialization excellence, fulfilling its mission of using cutting-edge research to address societal challenges. KCA University, a leader in business, technology, and the arts is committed to cultivating a thriving environment for responsible research and innovation.
Prof Walter Oyawa DG NACOSTI giving his remarks during the Launch of KCA University ISERC
NACOSTI’s Director-General’s remarks highlighted the organization’s crucial regulatory function in the country’s research, science, technology, and innovation. He highlighted the committee’s crucial role in promoting national security, research security, public safety, sustainable development, and poverty alleviation during their work on proposal reviews and clearance. He also emphasized the significance of ensuring that all reviewed proposals are duly followed up, and that principal investigators obtain a research permit from NACOSTI as stipulated by the STI Act and regulations. The Director-General also reaffirmed the necessity for institutions such as universities to establish IP Rights offices to assist researchers and innovators in safeguarding their IPs, obtaining patents, and monetizing the IP rights.
During the event, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Isaiah Wakindiki, provided a historical overview of the development of ethical considerations in research involving human participants and animals.
The Vice-Chancellor emphasized the elevation of the institution’s status through NACOSTI accreditation, which ensures that all research conducted at the university and beyond adheres to established ethical standards. This fosters trust and credibility in the institution’s research outputs and enhances the scope of cross-institutional collaborations, the responsible commercialization of research findings, and contributions to national economic transformation.
In her speech, the Chairperson of the Institutional Scientific Ethics Review Committee (ISERC), Dr. Caroline Ntara, commended the Vice-Chancellor for his support and vision in promoting the research agenda within the institution. She also expressed appreciation for the NACOSTI staff for their guidance throughout the process and the successful mentorship by Kenyatta University ISERC.