KARATINA UNIVERSITY ETHICS REVIEW COMMITTEE TRAINED BY NACOSTI ON ETHICAL RESEARCH OVERSIGHT

The National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation (NACOSTI) conducted a four-day training for members of the Karatina University Ethics Review Committee (ERC) from Monday, 16th June to Thursday, 19th June 2025. The training that was held at the university aimed to strengthen the committee’s capacity to oversee and guide ethical research in line with the national and international standards, which is a key requirement for ERC accreditation. 

The training was officially opened by the ERC Chairperson, Prof. Agnes Kihurani, who delivered remarks on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Linus Gitonga. She emphasized the critical role ERCs play in safeguarding research integrity and protecting research participants.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, the Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic, Research and Student Affairs Prof. Frankline Wabwoba, lauded the training, noting that licensing all student research would enhance the University’s visibility and improve its global and national rankings. He also reaffirmed the University Management’s full support toward the ERC accreditation process.

The training covered key areas including:

1. Roles and responsibilities of ERC members
2. Ethical principles governing research involving humans, animals, plants, and the environment
3. Proposal review procedures, post-approval monitoring, and research involving vulnerable populations
4. Institutional support, quality assurance, and standardization of ethical review processes

The sessions featured interactive group work, peer learning, and real-life ethical case discussions. NACOSTI reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Karatina University’s ERC through continued training, mentorship, and accreditation guidance.

Karatina University remains committed to fostering a culture of ethical research and upholding the highest standards of research integrity

The team poses for a group photo at the conclusion of the workshop.