The University of Nairobi is a collegiate research university based in
Nairobi and is the largest university in Kenya. Although its history
as an educational institution dates back to 1956, it did not become an
independent university until 1970. During that year, the University of
East Africa was split into three independent universities: the
Makerere University in Uganda, the University of Dar es Salaam in
Tanzania, and the University of Nairobi in Kenya.

During the 2023 academic year, the university had 49,047 students, of
whom 35,897 were undergraduates and 11,003 were postgraduates. The
university launched several policy frameworks and introduced
self-funded enrollment (also called ‘module 2’) to cope with the
rising demand for higher education in Kenya.

The National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation is the
public sector agency responsible for fostering research, science,
technology and innovation in Kenya. NACOSTI is established by the
Science, Technology and Innovation Act, No. 28 of 2013 (Rev. 2014)
(STI Act) as a State Corporation. The Commission regulates and assures
quality in Science, Technology and Innovation Sector and advises the
Government in matters related thereto. The functions of NACOSTI are as
outlined under section 6 (1) of the STI Act. NACOSTI is responsible
for promotion, regulation, advisory and coordination of research,
science, and technology development in the country.

The Commission promotes knowledge sharing on the existing research
system as well as private sector involvement in the development of
scientific research systems. Regulation is undertaken through
licensing of all scientific research, registration, and accreditation
of research institutions. NACOSTI sets agenda through development, in
consultation with stakeholders, the priorities in scientific,
technological and innovation activities in Kenya. In addition, NACOSTI
is the focal point on several international commitments on matters
research, science and technology and coordinates and evaluates
projects funded under Treaties and Protocols.

NACOSTI is the specialized agency spearheading mainstreaming of
science, technology and innovation in Ministries, Departments, and
Agencies. Under this program, institutions commit to undertake
activities aimed at enhancing STI within their operations. Key aspects
under this initiative include human resource development, facilities
and equipment, collaborations and partnerships, and dissemination of
outputs.