Research and Innovation
Research Focus
KNDI fulfills its mandate by engaging in 9 different but interrelated functions of the Council outlined under Section 6 of the Act. Specific functions relevant for research leadership is under Section 6 (c, f and g). The Institute therefore draws its mandate from Section 6 to engage in priority area researches either actively or through training institutions and such bodies that deal on matters related to nutrition and dietetics in Kenya. On the next five years KNDI will be engaging actively in fulfilling the strategic objective number 2: To establish a Center of Excellence in research coordination and innovation in nutrition and dietetics by 2020. This objective shall be fulfilled based on a matrix that designs key objectives and relevant outputs as follows:
| Objectives | Key Tasks and Output | Persons Responsible |
|---|---|---|
| 1.2 A system of research and innovation in N&D within the Institute established | 1.1.1 Develop Research and Innovation policy and implementation framework. Outputs: a) Policy document developed, published and disseminated. Centre of Excellence unit pillars established on: strategy; performance evaluation process –with respect to knowledge management, learning and sharing (KMS); expertise quality and quantity due diligence; and day to day operational administration, and aligned to the overall KNDI’s b) Research and Ethics Committee established. c) Innovation Centre launch. d) Institute MOUs with other research bodies, both local and international. Establish and carry out preliminary evaluation of post-graduate research programmes by March 2019 |
Chairperson Council, CEO, Chairperson Accreditation |
| 1.2.1 Relevant personnel to provide technical support recruited. | Relevant personnel to provide technical support recruited. Outputs: a) All job descriptions developed. b) Centre of Excellence staff performance management and reward system developed and aligned to the overall KNDI’s. c) Adequate personnel recruited. |
CEO |
| Resources mobilized to execute ongoing research, learning and sharing exchange activities in N&D. | 1.2.2 Organize initial resources towards launch of the full capacity building and operational set up for adequate KNDI ability for ability to resource mobilize for N&D research. Outputs: a) Concept Note on KNDI role in N&D research and innovation coordination, developed and shared with potential preliminary launch supporters of cash and kind. Proactive engagement with committed supporters to KNDI wider sharing and consultations on KNDI’s research statement-of-intent. Finalization of KNDI Work Plan to full capacity of research resource mobilization operational set up. 1.2.3 Resources mobilized to execute full-fledged KNDI national role in N&D innovation and research. Outputs: a) A database of longer term funding partners finalized. b) Laboratory networks established. c) Funding opportunities mobilized for ongoing national N&D cutting edge research. d) Research carried out, preliminary achievements evaluated and shared. Emerging value added by N&D research used to help mobilize forwards resources. |
Chairperson Council, CEO, Chairperson Accreditation |
| 1.3 A management unit for Intellectual Property Rights for KNDI products and services established. | 1.3.1 Plan and operationalise KNDI Intellectual Property (IP) Rights policy principles, organizational administrative guidelines and immediate tasks, medium term goals and vision on intellectual products and services prepared. Outputs: a) Consultatively conceptualize intellectual products and services plan. a) Establish an IP Coordination Unit b) Appoint a legal function to deal with KNDI’s intellectual property rights. c) Develop and institute SOPs for patenting. d) Set-up archives for due listing of patents. Create National Resource Center for collated N&D research outputs. |
CEO, Chairperson Accreditation |
| National Resource Centre for N&D knowledge established. | ||
| Proactive networking and exchange established with other renowned bodies (e.g. HINARI, Sage, Elsevier, etc.) in quality research relevant to N&D. | 1.3.2 Conceptualize and establish proactive networks with other renowned quality research bodies. Outputs: a) Map all relevant databases and profiles, and identify and contact focal points in possible institutions. b) Discuss and formalize working principles with top notch researchers for possible collaboration. Link up KNDI journal with databases and indexing bodies. |
CEO, Chairperson Accreditation |
Note:
KNDI will from time to time identify research priority areas which are of benefits to Kenya Populations