Get a research licence (research permit) from NACOSTI
National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation · sources read 1 Oct 2026
Apply online on the NACOSTI research portal, upload your proposal, ID, intro letter and ethics approval, then pay on eCitizen (for example KSh 2,000 for a bachelor's project, KSh 6,000 for a master's). A complete application should be processed within 30 days.
- Fee
- KSh 1,000Diploma research (standard, Kenyan/EAC citizens)KSh 2,000Bachelors research (standard, Kenyan/EAC citizens)KSh 3,000Post-Graduate Diploma research (standard, Kenyan/EAC citizens)KSh 6,000Masters research (standard, Kenyan/EAC citizens)KSh 10,000PhD research (standard, Kenyan/EAC citizens)KSh 15,000Post-Doctoral or Individual research (standard, Kenyan/EAC citizens)
- How long
- Within 30 days if your documents are complete
- Where
- Online on the NACOSTI research portal (research-portal.nacosti.go.ke), with payment through eCitizen
What you need
- Approved research proposal (PDF)
- National ID (Kenyans) or passport bio page / alien ID (non-citizens), in PDF
- Introductory letter from your institution, signed by an authorised officer
- Ethical approval letter from an accredited ethics review committee (ISERC)
- Recent coloured passport photo, 2x2 inches, JPG or PNG
Steps
- Create an account on the NACOSTI research portal (research-portal.nacosti.go.ke) and fill in the research licence application.
- Upload your proposal, ID, introductory letter, ethics approval and photo.
- When the application reaches the payment stage, pay the fee for your level through eCitizen.
- Once approved, download your licence from your portal account. It may also come by email.
Watch out
- The licence lasts one year. If your research runs longer, apply to renew with a progress report at least 30 days before it expires.
- Before you start fieldwork, inform the County Director of Education, County Commissioner and County Governor where you will work.
- Fees are not refundable, so check your documents before you pay.
Who can apply
- Anyone planning to do research in Kenya: Kenyans, foreigners, students, independent researchers and consultants.
- Non-Kenyans must also be affiliated to a relevant local institution.
Official sources (3)
- Research Licensing Fees nacosti.go.ke · read 1 Oct 2026
- FAQs nacosti.go.ke · read 1 Oct 2026
- Research Information Management System (RIMS) - Application for a Research License research-portal.nacosti.go.ke · read 1 Oct 2026