How to apply for a NACOSTI permit in Kenya

You’re a Masters or PhD student getting ready to carry out your research in Kenya. Did you know that you need to apply for a research permit from the National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation (NACOSTI)?

This permit is required for individuals or institutions conducting scientific research in the country. 

How to apply for a NACOSTI permit in Kenya

Here’s how to apply: 

 1. Prepare Your Research Proposal

Before applying for the NACOSTI research permit, you should have a clear research proposal that outlines the objectives, methodology, expected outcomes, and ethical considerations of the research. The proposal should also include:

• The title of the research
• The principal investigator and research team
• A detailed description of the study site
• A timeline and budget (if required)
• Any anticipated risks or ethical concerns

If you’re conducting research involving human subjects, animals, or the environment, you must address relevant ethical guidelines and obtain clearance from appropriate bodies (e.g., the National Ethical Review Committee or Animal Ethics Committee).

NACOSTI has approved several organizations to act as recognized Ethics bodies. See the table at the end of the article to find the right body for your area of research.

This process takes time as committess sit and every 2-3 weeks) and approval based on how well you write the requirements, so keep these timelines in mind when making your application.

Upon approval by a research ethics committee and a reference number given, you should upload the proposal and approval, for a NACOSTI permit the NACOSTI website. .

 2. Register with NACOSTI

• You must first create an account on the NACOSTI online portal.  
• Provide the necessary institutional or individual details required by NACOSTI. You must have a OrCID number, which you can get via https://orcid.org/. Make sure all your documents (such as the research proposal, ethics clearance, and any additional documents) are in electronic format. An introduction from your institution confirming you are a student is also needed so ensure you have this beforehand. 

 3. Submit the Research Permit Application

Once you have an account, you can fill in the application form on the NACOSTI portal. The form will require:

• Researcher details (name, institution, contact information)
• Research project title and brief description
• Ethical clearance or approval (if applicable)
• Duration of the research
• The research location(s)
• The funding agency (if any)
• Approval from the institution (for institutional researchers)

Attach the required documents, including your full research proposal and any ethics approval or review documentation.

 4. Review Process

After submission, NACOSTI will review the application to ensure that:

• The research meets national guidelines and priorities.
• The project complies with ethical standards.
• The proposed research does not interfere with the environment or public safety.

The review process can take several weeks depending on the complexity of the research and the volume of applications.

 5. Approval or Rejection

If the application is approved, NACOSTI will issue a research permit. This permit will detail:

• The duration of the research
• Any specific conditions attached to the research

If the application is rejected, you will be notified of the reasons for rejection, and you may be asked to make revisions or provide additional information.

 6. Issuance of the Research Permit

Upon successful review and approval, NACOSTI will issue a formal research permit.

The permit allows the researcher to conduct the study in Kenya legally. You may need to pay a processing fee, which varies depending on the nature of the research.

 7. Comply with Reporting Requirements

While conducting research in Kenya, the permit holder must comply with NACOSTI’s reporting requirements. This includes:

• Submitting progress reports at regular intervals, typically every six months.
• Finalizing and submitting the final research report to NACOSTI once the research is complete.
• Distributing research results to relevant stakeholders, including any policy implications or recommendations.

 8. Renewal of the Research Permit (If Applicable)

If the research extends beyond the original time frame, you may need to apply for a renewal of the permit. This involves submitting a request for extension along with a justification for the extension.

 Key Considerations

• Ethical Approval: As explained above, research involving human subjects, animals, or sensitive environments, you must obtain ethical approval from relevant bodies (e.g., institutional review boards or animal ethics committees).
• National Security and Sensitivity: If your research involves sensitive areas such as national security or cultural heritage, additional clearance may be required from relevant authorities.
• Work in Specific Areas: Some regions (e.g., national parks, game reserves, or restricted government areas) may require additional clearance from government agencies like the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) or the Ministry of Environment.

For detailed instructions, forms, and the current application process, it’s best to visit the official NACOSTI website or contact them directly for the latest updates.

List of NACOSTI- approved ethics approval bodies 

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