Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) has committed to support the newly established TU-K Institutional Ethics Review Committee (IERC) to ensure ethical principles in research are upheld. This extends. The training comes in handy for the university in areas of review of research proposals, post approval monitoring within local and international policy and regulatory frameworks.
KEMRI Ag. Director General Prof. Elijah Songok said the institution, through Scientific and Ethics Review Unit (SERU) will ensure TU-K IERC meet its mandate in research ethics. The Director General who was represented by Corporate Communication Deputy Director Mr. Davis Mkoji made the remarks during the closing ceremony of the inaugural science and ethics review for the members of TU-K IERC at KEMRI headquarters in Nairobi.
“Indeed, as an Institution, we feel greatly honored that TU-K chose KEMRI-SERU to train them in this area as well as benchmark with us,” said Prof. Songok. He added, “KEMRI - SERU has also offered to hold your hands as you develop TUK- ERC and therefore it will support the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SoPs) and other documentation and requirements to ensure the committee becomes operational and functional.” Mr. Mkoji noted that KEMRI would initiate further partnerships with TU-K especially with their Graduate School of Health Sciences.
“This partnership in Scientific and Ethics Review training is a perfect one for the two institutions. I am sure you are aware, that we also have our KEMRI Graduate School of Health Sciences that we can further collaborate with TUK in many other areas,” Mr. Mkoji added. Mr. Enock Kebenei who is the Head of KEMRI-SERU was the lead trainer during the three-day session bringing together team of trainers, senior trainers and Senior Counsel from KEMRI.
Faculty members from TU-K were led by Prof. Dorington Okeyo Ogoyi who chairs ERC Committee. Members of the committee included; Dr. Elizabeth Ajema Chebichi Luvai, Prof. John Nyiro Mwero, Prof. Evans Vidija Sagwa, Dr. Okoko Argwings Kodhek, Dr. Lucy Mudiwo Ombaka, Dr. Isaac Mokaya Omwenga, Dr. Melissa Wangui Wanjiru, Dr. Gladys Akelo Otieno, Dr. Jillani Ngalla, Mr. John Geoffrey Ng'ang'a, Ms. Jane Atieno Owino Bukachi, Mr. George Muriithi Ndeng'era, Mr. Benard Nashon Otieno and Mr. Isaac Maina
The committee members were also issued with certificates after completion of the training that can be presented to NACOSTI for accreditation. As guided by NACOSTI training guidelines, the main purpose of the workshop was to provide foundational training appropriate for IERC members. The membership was drawn from different professional background with interest in research ethics. The training covered various topics ranging from an introduction to research ethics and ethical principles in research to post approval monitoring.
The training objectives were set to equip trainers with capabilities including:
- Develop and review Standard Operating Procedures (SoPs) for IERCs
- Apply national and international research ethics guidelines
- Conduct scientific and ethics review of research proposals and
- Monitor and evaluate approved research studies
