NRF Supports and Participates in the 1st International Accreditation Conference 2025

The National Research Fund (NRF) proudly supported and participated in the 1st International Accreditation Conference, hosted by the Kenya Accreditation Service (KENAS) from 11th to 13th November 2025 at Sarova Whitesands, Mombasa. Themed “Shaping Global Accreditation Practices for Excellence and Trust,” the conference brought together national, regional, and international experts to explore how accreditation strengthens trust, drives innovation, and promotes credible systems across research and innovation.

Through its participation, NRF highlighted the importance of quality assurance and the critical role of funded research in advancing Kenya’s innovation ecosystem. The conference provided a platform for meaningful discussions on aligning research infrastructure and laboratories with international standards, ultimately enhancing credibility and fostering innovation across sectors.

At the exhibition stand, NRF showcased several funded research projects, demonstrating the tangible impact of its initiatives on national development and technological advancement. Delegates engaged with NRF representatives to discuss potential collaborations and partnerships aimed at strengthening research quality, uptake, and alignment with global best practices. The interactions underscored the value of accreditation in ensuring that research outputs are reliable, trustworthy, and internationally recognized.

The conference also offered opportunities for NRF to build strategic partnerships with KENAS and other stakeholders in the accreditation and quality assurance space. These collaborations are expected to support capacity building for research institutions, encourage the adoption of international standards, and enhance the overall impact of NRF-funded projects across the country.

Building on the insights and connections gained from the conference, NRF plans to maintain engagement with KENAS to support quality assurance in funded research facilities, integrate accreditation considerations into funding calls, organize awareness sessions for researchers on the relevance of accreditation, and map NRF-funded laboratories to identify future accreditation opportunities.

NRF’s support and participation in the 1st International Accreditation Conference reinforced its commitment to promoting high-quality research, strengthening strategic partnerships, and ensuring that funded research outputs are credible, impactful, and aligned with global standards.