State agency warns unaccredited researchers

The state agency has cautioned that all research institutions and organisations operating without government accreditation by National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation (NACOSTI) will be penalised.

In a public notice, the commission warned that anyone found doing research without complying with the law will be prosecuted.

“Any person who establishes or operates a research institute without a certificate of registration commits an offence under the act and shall  be liable  on conviction to a fine  not exceeding  one million shilling  or to imprisonment  for  a term not exceeding  two years or both,’’ Nacosti Director General, Dr Moses Rugutt said.

Dr Rugutt called upon Kenyans and organisations to register research firms to avoid unnecessary conflict with the regulator, adding that the registration exercise is ongoing.

PSU