Research Affiliation with NMK

Applicants seeking research affiliation with the National Museums of Kenya (NMK) must submit a formal written request to the Director General at dgnmk@museums.or.ke, with a copy to the Head of Earth Sciences at endiema@museums.or.ke, including:

• A formal written request addressed to the Director General
• A copy of their research proposal
• A current Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Affiliated researchers are required to:

• Maintain ongoing communication with NMK, including regular progress reports and updates on any changes during the project
• Report immediately any life-threatening issues or serious/unexpected adverse events, whether related or unrelated to the study
• Acknowledge NMK in all research outputs and publications
• Abide by the NMK Intellectual Property Policy Acceptance Agreement
• Provide NMK with a final report at the end of the study, detailing the research conducted, milestones achieved, and proposed future activities

Where research involves the search for a buried monument, antiquity, or any part thereof in Kenya—whether inside or outside a protected area—an Excavation Licence (EL) is required.

To apply, you must write to the Director General of the National Museums of Kenya (NMK) at gnmk@museums.or.ke, with a copy to the Head of Earth Sciences at endiema@museums.or.ke, requesting that they forward your application to the Cabinet Secretary in charge of NMK for consideration of an EL on your behalf.

Required Supporting Documents for EL:

• A formal request letter addressed to the NMK Director General
• An introduction letter from your Head of Department
• Your updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• A detailed research proposal
• A copy of your NMK Affiliation Letter
• A valid NACOSTI Research Permit

All research conducted in Kenya by both local and international researchers requires a permit from the National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation (NACOSTI).

NACOSTI Application Process:

• Create an account on the NACOSTI research portal
• Complete the online application form
• Upload required documents (research proposal, CV, supporting letters)
• Pay the applicable fees
• Submit the application for review
• Track your application status through the portal

Note: NACOSTI approval is required before commencing any research activities in Kenya.

The review process typically takes 4-6 weeks after submission of all required documents. Complex research proposals may require additional time for review.

Please ensure your application is complete to avoid delays in processing.

NMK may charge administrative fees for processing research affiliation requests. The fee structure varies depending on:

• Type of research (academic, commercial, etc.)
• Duration of the research project
• Resources required from NMK
• Whether the researcher is from a Kenyan institution or international

Please contact the Research Office for detailed information about fees.

Yes, NMK welcomes research collaborations with international researchers. In addition to the standard requirements, international researchers must:

• Obtain appropriate research visas
• Collaborate with a local Kenyan researcher or institution
• Ensure compliance with all Kenyan regulations regarding research
• Submit copies of research permits from relevant Kenyan authorities
• Obtain a NACOSTI research permit before beginning research activities