The National Commission for Science, Technology, and Innovation (NACOSTI) continues to play a pivotal role in safeguarding the integrity of research across Kenya. As the body responsible for promoting ethical standards in science and research, NACOSTI remains committed to strengthening the capacity of Institutional Scientific and Ethics Review Committees (ISERCs) and individual researchers through targeted training programs.

Currently underway at Kabarak University, an intensive ethics training workshop is bringing together faculty members to deepen their understanding of NACOSTI’s mandate, research ethics principles, the protocol review process, and the critical role of integrity in scholarly research. Organized by the Directorate of Research, Innovation, and Outreach, the workshop is being held at the KABUO Conference Hall and will continue until 11th April.

Opening the training on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Deputy Vice Chancellor Prof. John Ochola underscored that the workshop had been mandated by the University Senate to keep ISERC members informed about the dynamic nature of scientific research and the ethical considerations that accompany it. He emphasized the invaluable partnership between Kabarak University and NACOSTI in fostering responsible research practices.

Prof. Ochola noted that Kabarak University is fully accredited by NACOSTI to conduct ethical reviews of research protocols in biomedical, environmental, and social sciences. The University received its initial accreditation in March 2021 and successfully renewed it through to June 2027. He expressed appreciation to NACOSTI for its continued support and highlighted that this training will further strengthen the University’s mission in teaching, research, and community engagement.

A key highlight of the training is the use of NACOSTI’s National Training Guide, a comprehensive resource that ensures consistency and quality in ethical reviews across accredited committees. This guide helps maintain a unified ethical framework nationwide.

The workshop features an impressive lineup of facilitators:

• Prof. Vasey Mwaja, a member of the Kenya National Academy of Sciences (KNAS) and Editor-in-Chief of the Academy, who also contributes to the International Science Council’s global discussions on science policy and ethics.

• Ms. Christine Akaporeng, NACOSTI’s Deputy Director of Accreditation, providing in-depth insights into institutional compliance and review processes.

• Dr. Benson Mburu, Deputy Director of Biological and Health Sciences at NACOSTI, sharing expertise on scientific rigor, policy application, and emerging bioethical challenges.

Throughout the sessions, the facilitators are working to equip ISERC members with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the complex ethical landscape of research. The training also keeps participants abreast of evolving regulatory frameworks and best practices in research review.

Faculty members, researchers, and professionals are gathered with a shared goal: to uphold the highest standards of ethical research at Kabarak University. Notably, the Kabarak University ISERC, accredited by NACOSTI, also reviews research proposals from other institutions, making this capacity-building exercise even more significant.

Participants are delving into critical topics such as:

• Ethical review processes and responsibilities

• Safeguarding human and animal rights in research

• Evaluating scientific validity and methodology

• Addressing ethical concerns involving vulnerable populations and sensitive data

Trainers have emphasized essential ethical principles—non-maleficence, respect, beneficence, and justice—along with the importance of confidentiality, impartiality, and professionalism. They have also stressed the need to avoid conflicts of interest and to maintain strict confidentiality in handling research protocols.