NACOSTI officials, research institutions representatives and students pose for a photo during the stakeholders Forum held at Kenya Utalii College.
The National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation – NACOSTI has opened dialogue with key stakeholders on the proposed review of research licensing fees held at Kenya Utalii College, bringing together policy makers, researchers, academic institutions and industry representatives to deliberate on a more inclusive and responsive research licensing framework.
NACOSTI, a regulatory body mandated in the Science, Technology and Innovation, presented the rationale for the proposed adjustments of the licensing fees. Officials in attendance explained that the review aims to align fees with increasing operational costs and to enhance regulatory efficiency through digital platforms like the e-Citizen systems and ensure better enforcement of research quality and ethical standards are adhered to.
Current Service Charges
| Category of Research | EAC Countries | Kenyan Citizens | Non-Africa | Rest of Africa |
| Student Attachment undergraduate or diploma | KES 100 | KES 100 | USD 150 | KES 200 |
| Masters | KES 1,000 | KES 1,000 | USD 350 | KES 2,000 |
| PhD | KES 2,000 | KES 2,000 | USD 400 | KES 4,000 |
| Post Doctoral/ Individual | KES 5,000 | KES 5,000 | USD 500 | KES 10,000 |
| Public Institutions | – | KES 10,000 | – | – |
| Private Institutions | – | KES 20,000 | – | – |
| Companies | – | KES 20,000 | – | – |
During the meeting, participants highlighted concerns that higher costs could creating unfavourable conditions to young researchers and students from pursuing research.
In a statement, Deputy Director Biological and Health Sciences Dr. Benson Mburu said licensing is not meant to hinder research but to support coordination, accountability, and the protection of national interests.
The discussions also touched on related issues, such as ethics review processes, institutional affiliations, license renewals, and the role of accredited Institutional Scientific and Ethical Review Committees (ISERCs).
Kenyatta University Microbiology lecturer Prof Ezekiel Mugendi in his statement, said that a simplified and digitised licensing system with a clear fee structure, will enhance compliance and encourage more researchers to engage formally with NACOSTI.
The engagement follows similar regional forums, including recent ones in Western Kenya, Kisumu Coast region and Rift Valley where NACOSTI has addressed licensing, ethics, and broader STI priorities.
No final decisions on fee changes announced, but participants welcomed the consultative approach and urged NACOSTI to consider tiered structures, waivers for students, or performance-based incentives to encourage more domestic research.
Stakeholders expect a follow-up report and potential public notice from NACOSTI in the coming weeks, outlining any proposed amendments after synthesizing inputs from this and other forums. The event underscored the importance of inclusive dialogue in shaping policies that balance regulation with the promotion of Kenya’s research landscape.