A quick and comprehensive guide for African researchers looking for how to apply for ethical clearance for research in Kenya.
How to Apply for Ethical Clearance for Research in Kenya
When conducting research involving human participants, animals, or sensitive data, obtaining ethical clearance is a fundamental step.
In Kenya, as in many other countries, ethical clearance ensures that research adheres to accepted standards for safeguarding the rights, welfare, and dignity of participants.
The National Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (NACOSTI) recently introduced ethical clearance as part of the process of applying for a research permit, which we covered in a previous blog article.
While the process can seem intimidating at first, understanding the procedure can make it smoother and more efficient. This article provides a guide to applying for ethical clearance for research in Kenya, particularly for those involved in social, medical, and scientific studies.
Why is Ethical Clearance Important?
Ethical clearance is crucial for maintaining the integrity of research, ensuring that it is conducted in a manner that is respectful to participants and communities.
Ethical review boards in Kenya evaluate research proposals to make sure they meet ethical standards, including:
- Informed Consent: Ensuring that participants understand the nature of the research, any potential risks, and their right to withdraw at any time.
- Privacy and Confidentiality: Safeguarding personal data and ensuring that it is not misused or exposed.
- Minimizing Harm: Ensuring that the research does not cause unnecessary physical, emotional, or psychological harm to participants.
- Equitable Selection: Ensuring that no group is unfairly excluded or exploited in the research process.
The ethical review process in Kenya is designed to maintain high standards in research while promoting the welfare of participants.
The Process of Applying for Ethical Clearance in Kenya
In Kenya, ethical clearance is typically required from an approved research ethics committee (REC) before beginning any study involving human subjects, animals, or sensitive information. The following is a step-by-step guide to the process:
1. Identify the Appropriate Ethics Committee
In Kenya, ethical clearance is generally provided by one of the many research ethics committees (RECs) in universities, research institutions, or specific health and social services.
A complete list of ethics committees and their area of expertise (e.g. medical, social sciences, environmental sciences etc) can be found on the NACOSTI website and in our blog post about applying for a NACOSTI permit. Common examples include:
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)
- AIC Kijabe Hospital
- United States International University (USIU)
- Other Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) within universities and research centers
2. Prepare Your Research Proposal
Before applying for ethical clearance, you must prepare a comprehensive research proposal that includes:
- Study Objectives: Clear goals and the purpose of the research.
- Methodology: A detailed explanation of your research methods, including participant recruitment, data collection, and analysis.
- Informed Consent Process: How you will obtain consent from participants, including any special considerations for vulnerable groups.
- Potential Risks: Any risks to participants and how you will mitigate them.
- Confidentiality Measures: How you will protect participant privacy and data security.
- Benefits of the Research: The expected benefits, both to the participants and the wider community.
3. Submit the Application
Once your proposal is ready, submit it to the relevant ethical review board. The application will typically require you to fill out a formal application form, provide copies of your research proposal, informed consent forms, and any other supporting documents, such as a letter of recommendation from your institution.
4. Review and Feedback
The ethics committee will review your submission. They may request additional information or modifications to your study design to ensure that it aligns with ethical standards.
Be prepared for a back-and-forth process, where the committee might ask for clarifications, adjustments to participant protection plans, or the inclusion of additional safeguards.
The price of the review varies depending on your institution and designation. For example, Egerton University charges Ksh. 5000 for their own staff vs Ksh. 10,000 for staff from other research institutions, and Ksh. 3000 for their PhD students vs, Ksh. 5000 for PhD students from other local institutions.
5. Approval or Rejection
After reviewing the application and any requested revisions, the committee will either approve or reject the application. If approved, you will receive official clearance to proceed with your research.
In the case of rejection, the committee will provide feedback on why your application was denied, and you may need to make necessary revisions before reapplying.
6. Ongoing Compliance and Monitoring
Once ethical clearance is granted, researchers are required to adhere to the approved study protocols throughout the research process. Many committees will also conduct periodic reviews or audits to ensure compliance with ethical standards.
Conclusion
Applying for ethical clearance in Kenya is a vital part of conducting responsible and transparent research.
By following the steps outlined above, researchers can navigate the process with confidence, ensuring that their studies are ethically sound and that the rights of participants are protected.
Ethical clearance not only helps safeguard the integrity of research but also fosters trust in the research community.
