Launch of the Kenya National Research Repository: A Milestone for Research and Innovation
Nairobi, Kenya – March 26, 2024 – The National Research Fund (NRF) announces the launch of the Kenya National Research Repository, a significant advancement in Kenya’s research and innovation landscape. This digital, open-access repository is set to be launched on March 28, 2024, marking a pivotal step towards fulfilling the mandate of the Science Technology and Innovation (ST&I) Act of 2013. This launch represents a significant milestone in enhancing the utilization, collaboration, and visibility of research in Kenya, driving progress in the nation’s research and innovation landscape.
The Kenya National Research Repository is a comprehensive, content-neutral collection designed to capture and preserve the intellectual output of researchers funded by the NRF and other agencies. It serves as a vital platform for sharing scientific evidence and knowledge products on ST&I, aimed at informing policy changes and decision-making.
Developed in collaboration with the British Council, the repository has been operationalised on D-Space 7, the seventh major release of DSpace, an opensource repository software package typically used for creating institutional repositories, digital archives and digital libraries, offering a user-friendly interface for the research community, policymakers, educators, and the general public in Kenya. The Open Access Policy developed ensures that deposited research is freely accessible, promoting wider visibility and utilisation of Kenya’s rich research outputs in the thematic areas of Land, Water, and Energy, the first research area in the repository
The journey towards this momentous launch began in March 2023, with key milestones including mapping 30 universities and research institutions, establishing an Advisory Committee, developing a data collection tool, and conducting stakeholder workshops and training sessions. These efforts culminate in a repository that not only fosters collaboration and innovation but also enhances the visibility of Kenya’s research ecosystem nationally and internationally.
The launch event will bring together key stakeholders from Kenya’s research and innovation ecosystem officiated by Dr. Beatrice Inyangala. Notable speakers include Prof. Ratemo Michieka, NRF Chairman, Ms Monica Blagescu, British Council, Prof. Andala, CEO of NRF, and other key stakeholders and partners. Discussions will focus on centralised research repositories, regulatory compliance, and the intersection between innovation ecosystems and national research repositories.
With further support from the British Council and UK International Development, work is underway on a second area of focus for the repository: food security and sustainable agriculture. Institutions and researchers interested in having their research loaded onto the repository can contact the National Research Fund.
For further information or interview requests, please contact;
Titus K. Kisangau,
Communications
E-mail: tkisangau@nrf.go.ke
Phone No: +254 703 610 989
Janet Ndungire,
Communications
E-mail: janet.ndugire@britishcouncil.org
About the National Research Fund (NRF)
The National Research Fund is a statutory body established under the Science Technology and Innovation Act 2013, mandated to facilitate research in science, technology, and innovation, support scientific research and innovation, and compile and maintain a national database of research and innovation in Kenya.
About the British Council
The British Council is the UK’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities. We support peace and prosperity by building connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and countries worldwide. We do this through our work in arts and culture, education and the English language. We work with people in over 200 countries and territories and are on the ground in more than 100 countries. In 2022–23 we reached 600 million people. Visit www.britishcouncil.org for more.
