The National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation (NACOSTI) is established through the STI Act 2013 (Rev. 2014). The objective of the Commission shall be to regulate and assure quality in the science, technology and innovation sector and advise the Government in matters related thereto. Accordingly, the Commission continues to play its pivotal and central role of promoting, regulating, advising and coordinating all matters pertaining to Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) in Kenya in line with the STI Act. Accordingly, the STI stipulates seventeen functions of NACOSTI as below;
- develop, in consultation with stakeholders, the priorities in scientific, technological and innovation activities in Kenya in relation to the economic and social policies of the Government, and the country’s international commitments;
- lead inter-agency efforts to implement sound policies and budgets, working in collaboration with the county governments, and organisations involved in science and technology and innovation within Kenya and outside Kenya;
- advise the national and county governments on the science, technology and innovation policy, including general planning and assessment of the necessary financial resources;
- liaise with the National Innovation Agency and the National Research Fund to ensure funding and implementation of prioritized research programmes;
- ensure co-ordination and co-operation between the various agencies involved in science, technology and innovation;
- accredit research institutes and approve all Scientific research in Kenya;
- assure relevance and quality of science, technology and innovation programmes in research institutes;
- advise on science education and innovation at both basic and advanced levels;
- in consultation with the National Research Fund Trustees, sponsor national scientific and academic conferences it considers appropriate;
- advise the Government on policies and any issue relating to scientific research systems;
- promote increased awareness, knowledge and information of research system
- co-ordinate, monitor and evaluate, as appropriate, activities relating to scientific research and technology development;
- promote and encourage private sector involvement in scientific research and innovation and development;
- annually, review the progress in scientific research systems and submit a report of its findings and recommendations to the Cabinet Secretary;
- promote the adoption and application of scientific and technological knowledge and information necessary in attaining national development goals;
- develop and enforce codes, guidelines and regulations in accordance with the policy determined under this Act for the governance, management and maintenance of standards and quality in research systems; and
- undertake, or cause to be undertaken, regular inspections, monitoring and evaluation of research institutions to ensure compliance with set standards and guidelines.
In the performance of its functions under the STI Act, the Commission shall have powers to—
- apply for the grant or revocation of patents;
- institute such action in respect of the patent as it may deem appropriate for the security of the country;
- acquire from any person the right in, or to, any scientific innovation, invention or patent of strategic importance to the country;
- collaborate with similar scientific institutions or organizations operating outside Kenya; and (v) demand and receive annual reports from research institutions.
The STI Act further defines Research System as: research, science, technology or innovation.