We are proud to announce a significant milestone for MKU-ISERC (Mount Kenya University Institutional Scientific and Ethics Review Committee). In recognition of our consistent commitment to ethics, integrity, research quality assurance, and regulatory compliance, MKU-ISERC has officially been awarded an expanded mandate by the National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation (NACOSTI), Congratulations to the team led by the Chairperson Dr Alfred Owino.
Key Highlights
- The expanded scope now includes:
- Health Sciences
- Biomedical Sciences (including clinical trials)
- Biological Sciences
- Social Sciences
- Environmental Sciences
- This development follows a successful inspection by the National Scientific and Ethics Committee (NSEC) in November 2024, after an application submitted by MKU-ISERC for consideration.
- The inspection team was led by Dr. Hastings Ozwara, and the visit took place on 14th November 2024.
Context & Rationale
- The expansion comes in response to:
- A surge in demand for bioethics services from researchers affiliated with MKU and other institutions.
- Findings from a university-led needs assessment conducted in 2023, highlighting the necessity for broader research ethics coverage.
Impact & Alignment
- This milestone aligns with Mount Kenya University’s Strategic Plan 2020–2029, particularly in enhancing excellence in research and innovation.
- With the expanded mandate, MKU-ISERC is positioned to continue serving a wider range of researchers, both locally and internationally.
MKU-ISERC Services Include:
- Full ethical reviews
- Expedited reviews
- Amendments to protocols
- Annual renewal of certifications
These services are offered to faculty, students, and external researchers, ensuring all protocols are both scientifically and ethically sound. The committee has since updated review guidelines and documentation to reflect the broader scope and will soon organize training/awareness sessions for researchers engaging in newly covered fields.
