The Institutional Scientific Research Ethics Committee at Kisii University is responsible for ensuring that ethical guidelines are followed during research activities. This includes ensuring compliance with national and international regulations, developing and enforcing codes, guidelines, and regulations for the governance, management, and maintenance of ethical standards and quality in research systems, and regularly inspecting, monitoring, and evaluating research institutions to ensure compliance with set standards and guidelines.

Additionally, the committee plays a crucial role in promoting increased awareness, knowledge, and information about research ethics and ensuring the relevance and quality of research programs at the university. It liaises with the National Commission for Science, Technology, and Innovation (NACOSTI) to ensure that the university’s research activities comply with the necessary regulations, and it advises the university’s leadership on research ethics issues.

The committee also sponsors scientific and academic conferences and promotes the adoption and application of scientific and technological knowledge and information necessary for attaining national development goals while maintaining ethical standards. The committee reviews progress annually and submits a report of its findings and recommendations to the relevant authorities. Overall, the committee’s responsibility is to ensure that research activities at Kisii University are conducted with the utmost ethical standards to protect the welfare and rights of research participants and the wider community.

Currently, the Kisii University Institutional Scientific Research Ethics Committee is in the final stages of obtaining certification from the National Commission for Science, Technology, and Innovation (NACOSTI) in Kenya. Once certified, the committee will be recognized for its commitment to upholding ethical guidelines in research and ensuring compliance with national and international regulations. The certification will also provide assurance to stakeholders that research activities at Kisii University are conducted with integrity, transparency, and respect for the welfare and rights of research participants and the wider community. The committee looks forward to finalizing the certification process and continuing its crucial role in promoting ethical research practices at the university, region and the country at large.