How to Apply for a Research Permit in Kenya

Application for a Research Permit can only be done online through the National Commission for Science Technology and Innovation (NACOSTI) online platform. Visit the online platform and create an account. (vi). Upload your passport photograph and passport/ Identity card. Let us see How to Apply for a Research Permit in Kenya in this article

Procedure on How to Apply for a Research Permit in Kenya

• You should apply least one month before the date you intend to start conducting the research in Kenya.
  

Apply In Person – Research Permit in Kenya

1. This should be done at least one (1) months before the expiry of the permit.
2. You can apply for a research extension by filling in an Application for Authority to Conduct Research In Kenya – Form A .This form can be obtained from your affiliate institution or you can download it through this link Application for Authority to Conduct Research In Kenya – Form A
3. Fill in the application form and send the completed Application for Authority to Conduct Research In Kenya to the affiliating institution for endorsement. This can be done by courier service or e-mail.
4. The application form should be submitted in two (2) copies to reach the ;
   Executive Secretary,
   National Council for Science and Technology,
   P.O. Box 30623 -00100
   NAIROBI,
5. The research clearance application forms must be accompanied by the following:
   (a) Comprehensive curriculum vitae of all the applicants (2 copies).
   (b) A comprehensive project proposal, including details of objectives, hypothesis, literature review, methodology and envisaged application of the research results (2 copies).
   (c) A letter from the sponsor, if any (2copies) (Sponsor is the person or body providing primary financial and or material support towards the project).
   (d) A copy of National Identity Card.
   (e) Two current passport-size photographs of the Applicant(s) duly endorsed by the Sponsor or Referee.
   (f) Non-refundable research application fees payable to the Executive Secretary, National Council for Science and Technology, P.O. Box 30623-00100, Nairobi.
6. Payment details have been given in our “Fees section”
7. Use the following bank details to make the payments.
   Kenya Shillings Account
   Bank Kenya Commercial Bank
   Branch Kipande House-Nairobi
   Account No: 11 04 16 25 47
   Account Name: National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation
   Swift Code KCBLKENX
   OR
   US Dollar Account
   Bank NIC Bank
   Branch Town Centre
   Account No: 10 01 46 73 75 OR US Dollar Account for Non Kenyans
   Account Name: National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation
   Swift Code NINCKENA
8. Attach the payment receipt to the application document before submission.
9. Application forms received by the Research Coordination Division which will forward to relevant experts of the scheduled sciences for assessment and advice.
10. Research Coordination Division on receipt of the comments of the relevant science schedule will deal appropriately by issuing Research Permit or inform applicant, in case further information are required.
11. Once you have made the submission, wait for official communication from the Head of Research Division, NACOSTI. The review process can take at least one month to complete.
12. If the review is successful, you will be granted with an extension for your research.
13. On completion and finalization of research work the researcher must submit two copies of research reports to NACOSTI.
14. No Research Permit will be issued for subsequent research work if the reports of previous research work were not submitted
    

Apply online

1. Application for a Research Permit can only be done online through the National Commission for Science Technology and Innovation (NACOSTI) online platform.
2. Visit the online platform and create an account.
3. You will be required to fill in the following details and upload the following documents;
   (i). Select Home Country
   (ii). Terms and conditions
   (iii). Fill in your bio data
   (iv). Institution you are representing
   (v). Area of specialization
   (vi). Upload your passport photograph and passport/ Identity card.
   • After you have provided the required details a verification email will be sent to your email address.
4. Visit your email address to verify the account you have created. Click on the verification link, which will lead you the NACOSTI online platform where you are supposed to log in to complete your application. Log in details will be provided in the email.
5. Once you have logged in click on the “Apply permit Icon” on your dashboard.
6. Fill in the required details and upload the following documents;
   (i). Name of University/ Organisation
   (ii). Source of finance (amount in KSh)
   (iii). Area of research
   (iv). Projects details
   (v). Location of field work
   (vi). Referees
   (vii). Upload letter from your institution
   (viii). Upload research proposal
   • After you have provided the required details a verification email will be sent to your email address with payment details.
7. Log in to your email address to view your payment details. The amount of fee payable depends on the type of permit you want (level of education), the institution you are representation and your residency status.
8. Use the following bank details to make the payments.
   Kenya Shillings Account
   Bank Kenya Commercial Bank
   Branch Kipande House-Nairobi
   Account No: 11 04 16 25 47
   Account Name: National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation
   Swift Code KCBLKENX
   OR
   US Dollar Account
   Bank NIC Bank
   Branch Town Centre
   Account No: 10 01 46 73 75 OR US Dollar Account for Non Kenyans
   Account Name: National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation
   Swift Code NINCKENA
9. Make payment using either of the above accounts. Your will receive a confirmation email acknowledging your payment once the payment is received.
10. Log in to check your research permit application status in your dash board.
11. Your will receive a prompt email once your research permit is ready. This normally takes a period of two weeks.
12. You can print your research permit from your dashboard once it’s ready.

Required Documents

1. Passport size photo
2. Scanned ID/Passport
3. Affiliation letter from relevant local institution for foreigners
4. Research proposal
5. Introductory letter for students
6. Certificate of ethical clearance of the research (where applicable)
7. Evidence of payment as the last page of the uploaded proposal
8. Copies of questionnaire(s) (if applicable)
   

Office Locations & Contacts

National Commission for Science Technology and Innovation (NACOSTI)

Off Waiyaki Way, Upper Kabete,
P. O. Box 30623, 00100
Nairobi, KENYA
Land line: 020 4007000, 020 2241349, 020 3310571, 020 8001077
Wireless: 020 267 3550
Mobile: 0713 788 787 / 0735 404 245
WhatsApp: 0792 746282
Fax: 0202213215
E-mail: customercare@nacosti.go.ke / info@nacosti.go.ke
Website: NACOSTI Website

Eligibility – Research Permit in Kenya

The following are Eligible to apply

• All Non-Kenyans intending to do research in Kenya;
• Foreign students intending to come for study tours or undergraduate students coming for a short duration;
• All Kenyans who are studying abroad and intend to do research in the Country;
• Private institutions either Kenyan or Non-Kenyan intending to do research in the country;
• All Kenyans except employees of Government Research Institutions/ Ministries /Departments whose mandate is to do research or as part of their duties or have a Standing Research Clearance; and
• In all cases where the research involves acquiring information/data from the Country or Public and Government organizations.
  

Fees – Research Permit in Kenya

• The permit fees and extension fees are the same.

(a) East Africa Community (EAC) Citizens

• Student/Attachment/Undergraduate/Diploma…. Ksh.100
• Research (Academic) Masters…. Ksh.1, 000
• Research (Academic) PhD…. Ksh.2, 000
• Research (Individual/Post-Doctoral)…. Ksh.5, 000
• Research (Public/Private Institutions)…. Ksh.10, 000
• Research (Private Companies)…. Ksh. 20,000
• Extensions…. Same as above
  

(b) Rest of Africa

• Student/Attachment/Undergraduate/Diploma…. Ksh.200
• Research (Academic) Masters…. Ksh.2, 000
• Research (Academic) PhD…. Ksh.4, 000
• Research (Individual/Post-Doctoral)…. Ksh.10, 000
• Research (Public/Private Institutions)…. Ksh.20, 000
• Research (Private Companies)…. Ksh. 40,000
• Extensions…. Same as above
  

(c) Non- Africans

• Student/Attachment/Undergraduate/Diploma…. USD.150
• Research (Academic) Masters…. USD.350
• Research (Academic) PhD…. USD.400
• Research (Individual/Post-Doctoral)…. USD. 500
• Research (Public/Private Institutions)…. USD. 1,000
• Research (Private Companies)…. USD 10,000
• Extensions…. Same as above
  

Validity – Research Permit in Kenya

• The validity period depends with the type of research. Usually most research projects take a duration of 1-3 years.
  

Documents to Use

• Application for Authority to Conduct Research In Kenya – Form A
• Applications can also be done online. Through the following link NACOSTI Online Platform

Processing Time – Research Permit in Kenya

• If all requirements in the application are met, it can be ready in less than 2 weeks.

Instructions

• You should apply least one month before the date you intend to start conducting the research in Kenya.
• Register with the NACOSTI online platform to make application or download the Application for Authority to Conduct Research in Kenya – Form A to make application.
• Get an endorsement from affiliate institution to carry out research.
• Fill in required information and upload/ attach required documents
• Make payment for the research permit
• Submit filled application form, receipt and required documents to the NACOSTI for review and approval.
• An Applicant who has been permitted to conduct research in Kenya must undertake to deposit two (2) bound copies of his/her research report/thesis with the NCST on completion of the research.
• Persons who have not submitted satisfactory final reports/thesis on the previous research work in Kenya may not be cleared for new projects.
• For short and medium-term projects, the research permit will be issued for a period not exceeding two (2) years, with a provision for renewal for a further one year. An application for renewal shall be submitted to the NCST at least two (2) months before the expiry of the permit, a renewal fee of half of the original fee, shall be paid.
• For long-term projects taking more than three years, Applicants are advised to request for guidance and further information from the NCST before submitting their application
  

Required Information

1. Full name
2. Nationality
3. Passport Number
4. Postal and permanent addresses
5. Highest level of education
6. Area of specialization
7. Name and address of any friends, relatives or contacts in Kenya
8. Title of Research
9. Purpose of research
10. Brief description of this research project
11. Research Funding
12. Estimated period of research
13. The name(s) of the local institution(s), which will assist you in your research
14. The name(s) of your sponsor(s)
15. Personal referees
16. How the research project will assist or be of value to Kenyan
17. Where in Kenya will the research be conducted?

Need for the Document

• Section 17 (1) of the Science, Technology and Innovation Act, 2013 requires all persons intending to undertake research in the country to apply to the Commission for the grant of a Research Licence. Research refers to any investigation or inquiry or interview that aims to collect data or information, academic or non-academic that will lead to new information and/or knowledge.
• It’s illegal to undertake research in Kenya without a research license.
  

Information which might help

• Research permits will be issued in the name of the applicant who is the project leader, or the expedition leader or the leader of the institution in the case of Standing Research Clearance.
• It is a must that, each researcher pays appropriate fee for each research project.
• The number of researchers for institutional/company permit should not exceed three researchers per permit.
• It is the researcher’s responsibility to make sure that the regulations governing the permit are observed.
• Non-Kenyan researchers who intend to do research in the Country must be affiliated with a relevant Kenyan Public research institution. A list of Accredited institutions and Public and Private Institutions can be found through this link NACOSTI Webstite
• All research projects that involve human beings as research participants (e.g. clinical investigations, drugs, social behavioral studies, biological studies involving human organs or specimen) should satisfy the ethical standards for research as provided for in the Guidelines for Ethical Conduct of Biomedical Research involving Human Subjects in Kenya (2004) which is downloadable from NACOSTI website, and any other applicable internationally recognized ethics guidance guidelines.
• Students registered in an educational institution in Kenya and intend to conduct field research should be introduced to the NACOSTI by their head of college/institution.

External Links

• Research Fund
• NACOSTI Service Charter
• Science, Technology and Innovation Act, 2013
• Research Clearance Guidelines
  

Others

• The License is valid for the proposed research, site and specified period.
• Both the License and any rights thereunder are non-transferable.
• NACOSTI may monitor and evaluate the research.
• The Licensee shall report to relevant government offices in the area of research before commencement
• Excavation, filming and collection of specimens are subject to further permissions from relevant government agencies.
• The License does not give authority to transfer research materials.
• The Licensee shall submit one hard copy and upload a soft copy of their final report within one year of completion of the research.
• NACOSTI reserves the right to modify the conditions of the License including its cancellation without prior notice.