Most frequent questions and answers
Who should apply for a Research License?
All persons intending to undertake research in Kenya are required to apply for a Research Licence.This includes Kenyan citizens, non-Kenyan researchers, students, independent researchers, consultants and researchers working for or affiliated with universities, research institutions, government agencies, private organisations, nongovernmental organisations and other relevant entities.
Should a researcher employed by a research institution apply for a Research License?
Yes, being employed by or affiliated with a research institution does not, in itself, constitute a Research Licence. Registration of a research institution and licensing of research activities are two distinct regulatory processes. Registration of a research institution is recognition of the corporate entity under Regulation 106, while Research Licensing is provided for under Regulation 108 of the Science, Technology and Innovation Act, 2013 (Rev. 2014). Therefore, a researcher working for a university, research institute, government institution, private organisation, NGO or any other research institution should obtain a Research Licence before undertaking research in Kenya. Institutional registration should consequently not be interpreted as an exemption from the requirement for research licensing.
Do you grant Research Licenses to individuals/Consultants?
Yes, NACOSTI grants Research Licences to individuals, including independent researchers and consultants, who intend to undertake research in Kenya.
How do you obtain a research license in Kenya?
Applications for a Research Licence are submitted online through the NACOSTI research licensing portal. Applicants should access the research portal at: research-portal.nacosti.go.ke
Does application for a Research License exempt one from other legislation?
No, a NACOSTI Research Licence does not exempt a researcher from complying with other applicable laws, regulations, institutional requirements, permits, approvals or sector-specific regulatory requirements. Depending on the nature of the research, the access, collection, handling, storage, use, sharing or transfer of research materials, biological specimens, technology, personal data or other information may be regulated under other legislation and regulatory frameworks.
How long does it take to process a Research License?
Subject to the applicant meeting all the requirements and submitting complete and satisfactory documentation, a Research Licence should be processed within 30 days.
How can I access my Research License?
Once a Research Licence has been granted, the applicant can access and download the licence from their applicant account on the research licensing system. The licence may also be sent to the applicant through their registered email address.
Who should apply for ethical approval?
Ethical approval is desirable for all research and should be obtained where the research involves ethical considerations, particularly research involving human participants, personal information, biological materials or other sensitive issues. Ethical approval should be sought from a local accredited Institutional Scientific and Ethics Review Committee (ISERC). A list of accredited ISERCs is available on NACOSTI Website: click here
Do foreigners require a research license to engage in research in Kenya?
Yes, All non-Kenyan persons intending to undertake research in Kenya are required to apply for a Research Licence. In addition to meeting the general licensing requirements, a non-Kenyan researcher must be affiliated with a relevant local institution in Kenya.
How do I pay for my research license?
Payments for Research Licences are made through the e-Citizen payment gateway. Once the application has progressed to the payment stage, applicants should follow the payment instructions provided through the official system and select the applicable payment option.
What is the validity period of a Research License?
A Research Licence is valid for one year from the date of issuance. Where research activities are expected to continue beyond the validity period, the researcher should apply for renewal of the Research Licence in accordance with the applicable requirements.
Are there exemptions to NACOSTI Research License?
No, there are no exemptions from the NACOSTI Research Licence requirement for persons intending to undertake research in Kenya.