Kaimosi Friends University Scientific and Ethics Review Committee (KAFUSERC)
Welcome to the official webpage of the KAFU Scientific and Ethics Review Committee (KAFUSERC). As the Chairperson, I am honored to lead a dedicated team committed to upholding the highest ethical standards in scientific research.
At KAFUSERC, our mission is to ensure that all research conducted within Kaimosi Friends University and its affiliated institutions adheres to national and international ethical guidelines. We are entrusted with safeguarding the rights, dignity, safety, and well-being of research participants while promoting high-quality, ethical research that contributes to knowledge and societal development.
In collaboration with the National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation (NACOSTI) and other regulatory bodies, we provide rigorous scientific and ethical reviews for research proposals, ensuring compliance with established ethical principles such as autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice. Our committee also facilitates mentorship, training, and capacity-building for researchers, students, and faculty members in responsible research conduct.
We invite researchers, scholars, and students to engage with KAFUSERC for guidance, review, and approval of their research proposals. Together, let us foster a culture of integrity, transparency, and excellence in research that aligns with the vision and mission of Kaimosi Friends University.
For inquiries, proposal submissions, or further information, please reach out to us at [kafusercsecretary@kafu.ac.ke].
Thank you.
Dr Emmanuel Okenwa-Vincent, OD, PhD
CHAIRMAN, KAFUSERC
Kaimosi Friends University
Who We Are
The Kaimosi Friends University Scientific and Ethics Review Committee (KAFUSERC) is an independent institutional body established to review, approve, and monitor research proposals involving human participants to ensure compliance with ethical and scientific standards. Our primary role is to safeguard the dignity, rights, safety, and well-being of research participants while fostering high-quality and ethical research practices at Kaimosi Friends University (KAFU) and beyond.
As part of KAFU's commitment to excellence in research, innovation, and holistic development, KAFUSERC operates in alignment with the National Commission for Science, Technology, and Innovation (NACOSTI) guidelines and the National Bioethics Committee (NBC) framework for research ethics.
Our Mandate
KAFUSERC is mandated to:
- Review and approve research proposals to ensure they adhere to ethical and scientific principles.
- Ensure compliance with national and international research ethics guidelines, including those set by NACOSTI and the World Health Organization (WHO).
- Monitor ongoing research to ensure continued ethical compliance.
- Provide mentorship and capacity-building for researchers, faculty, and students in ethical research conduct.
- Protect the rights and welfare of research participants by ensuring informed consent, risk minimization, and proper ethical considerations in research.
- Facilitate institutional linkages and collaborations to enhance research quality and ethical standards.
Scope of KAFUSERC
KAFUSERC reviews and approves research proposals in a wide range of disciplines, including but not limited to:
- Health and biomedical sciences
- Social and behavioral sciences
- Environmental and agricultural research
- Educational and economic research
- Multidisciplinary studies involving human participants
All research conducted within Kaimosi Friends University or affiliated institutions that involves human participants must obtain ethical clearance from KAFUSERC before commencement.
Our Review Process
- Submission of Research Proposal - Researchers must submit a complete research proposal, including ethical considerations, informed consent forms, and relevant supporting documents.
- Screening & Categorization - Proposals are reviewed and classified into exempted, expedited, or full review categories based on the level of risk involved.
- Ethical & Scientific Review - A multidisciplinary team of experts evaluates the scientific validity, ethical compliance, risk-benefit ratio, and research methodology of each proposal.
- Decision-Making - The committee makes one of the following decisions: Approved, Revision Required, or Not Approved, with feedback provided to the researcher.
- Monitoring & Follow-up - Approved research is monitored to ensure continued compliance, including progress reports, amendments, and adverse event reporting where necessary.
Composition of KAFUSERC
KAFUSERC is a multidisciplinary and independent body composed of experts from various fields, including:
- A Chairperson with expertise in research ethics and leadership.
- At least two scientists or researchers with experience in research methodology.
- A legal expert familiar with national and international research laws.
- A social scientist, ethicist, or community representative to provide societal perspectives.
- A layperson to represent the interests of research participants and the community.
- A Member Secretary responsible for administrative and operational coordination.
The committee is appointed by the Vice-Chancellor of Kaimosi Friends University and operates under the University Research Board.
Linkages & Collaborations
To enhance research capacity and accreditation, KAFUSERC is seeking mentorship and linkage agreements with established Institutional Scientific and Ethics Review Committees (ISERCs) such as MMUST-ISERC at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology. This mentorship will support KAFUSERC in achieving NACOSTI accreditation as an independent review body.
Why Ethical Approval Matters
Obtaining ethical clearance from KAFUSERC ensures that:
- Research meets national and international ethical standards.
- Research participants' rights, safety, and dignity are protected.
- Studies are scientifically valid and methodologically sound.
- Institutions, sponsors, and funding bodies recognize and approve the research.
- Researchers comply with legal and institutional requirements, preventing delays or rejections of research findings.
Contact Us
For inquiries, proposal submissions, or ethical guidance, please reach out to us:
? Office of the Member Secretary, KAFUSERC
? Email: kafusercsecretary@kafu.ac.ke
? Phone: +254721299540