NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY - KENYA

Composition

National Council for Science and Technology comprises of twelve (12) eminent scientists appointed by the minister with responsibility on matters of science and technology. It also has nine (9) Permanent Secretaries of the Government Ministries with significant scientific and technological functions who, together with the Council Secretary are ex-officio members. In practice, however, the Council has between twenty-one (21) and twenty-five (25) members, depending on the configuration of the Kenya Government as defined from time to time by the Presidential Circular outlining Ministerial functions.

Appointed members serve a three-year term and may be re-appointed. One of the appointed members is given additional appointment as the Chairman of the Council, for a term of two years renewable only once successively.

Working Arrangement

To discharge its mandate, the Council is organized in committees, namely: Steering, Research and the Specialist committees. The Steering Committee elaborates the general science plan and coordinates the work of other committees of the Council.

The Research Committee approves monitors and evaluates all research activities in the country thus ensuring that all scientific research undertaken in Kenya compliments national interest. Additionally, the Committee administers a modest research grant supporting policy relevant research activities. The grant is accessed on a competitive basis.

The Specialist Committees provide advice on the programmes and projects required to implement the national research priorities arising from the national science policy - their financial, human resource, infrastructure and facilities requirements; and the dissemination, popularization and application of results of such researches. These committees are also required to promote and coordinate research activities in their respective science areas.