The Directorate of Research, Accreditation and Quality Assurance (DRAQA) implements the core mandate of the Commission of regulation and quality assurance. Based on the functions of the Commission, DRAQA is responsible for:
- Initiating the development of regulations for registration, accreditation, quality assurance and licensing of research in accordance with ST&I Act;
- Development and review of guidelines for registration, accreditation, quality assurance and licensing of research in Kenya;
- Development and review of guidelines for establishment and accreditation of institutional ethical review committees;
- Review of applications and make recommendations for registration and accreditation of research institutions;
- Undertaking licensing of research in Kenya;
- Undertaking regular inspections, monitoring and evaluation of research; institutions to ensure compliance with set standards and guidelines;
- Undertaking regular monitoring and evaluation of licensed research to ensure compliance with the license conditions;
- Promoting increased Services of DRAQA
The major services of DRAQA are:
- Registration of research institutions;
- Accreditation of Research Institutions;
- Accreditation of Institutional Scientific and Ethics Review Committees (ISERCs)
- Quality Assurance of Research;
- Licensing of Research;
- Monitoring and Evaluation of licensed research; and
- Capacity building of scientist and Institutional Ethics Review Committee.
Organization of the Directorate of Research, Accreditation and Quality Assurance
The Directorate of Research, Accreditation and Quality Assurance was formally established in February 2016. DRAQA is Headed by a Director. The Directorate is organized into two (2) Departments namely:
- Registration, Accreditation and Quality Assurance (RAQA); and
- Licensing, Monitoring and Evaluation (LME). Each Department is headed by a Deputy Director
Each Department is headed by a Deputy Director