kca@kcau.ac.ke 0709 813 800
kca@kcau.ac.ke 0709 813 800

VC & CEO’s Research and Innovation Grant

HOME >>RESEARCH SUPPORT & DISSEMINATION>>FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES>>VC & CEO’s Research and Innovation Grant

>> VC & CEO's Research and Innovation Grant

Call for Applications

We invite staff and students to submit innovative project proposals that:

  • Drive the development of new products, services, processes, models, and systems
  • Enhance and improve existing solutions

Proposals should align with the University’s Vision and Mission, the 2024–2028 Strategic Plan, and contribute to national and global development priorities, including Kenya Vision 2030 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Focus Area

  1.  Business, Finance and Governance – Innovative approaches to financial inclusion, digital finance, corporate governance and institutional effectiveness.
  2. Quality Education, Creative Economy and Lifelong Learning – Advancing inclusive education, educational technologies, creativity and skill development for the knowledge economy.
  3. Health and Well-being – Promoting physical, mental and social health through preventive, technological and community-driven innovations.
  4. Safety, Security and Peace – Strengthening societal resilience, justice and conflict prevention through policy, research and community engagement.
  5. Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) – Developing novel technologies, digital solutions and scientific applications that enhance productivity and transformation.
  6. Entrepreneurship and Poverty Eradication – Fostering enterprise development, inclusive business models and solutions that drive socio-economic empowerment.
  7. Natural Resources, Sustainability and Climate Action – Addressing environmental conservation, renewable energy and sustainable resource management.
  8. Agriculture, Food Security and Blue Economy – Enhancing agricultural productivity, food systems resilience and sustainable use of aquatic and marine resources

Be part of shaping impactful, solution-driven innovation. Apply Now

Submission Deadline: May 15th, 2026 at 17:00 (5:00 PM)

Eligibility for Staff and Students

  1. The applicant must be a full-time member of staff or a bona fide student at KCA University.
  2. The applicant will serve as the Principal Investigator (PI) for the project.
  3. Student applicants MUST nominate an active member of staff to supervise the project.
  4. Applicants MUST have no record of ethical misconduct.
  5. The project must be within the priority areas for the 2026 call.
  6. The applicant and the research team are responsible for ensuring that the proposal does not infringe on any third-party ownership or intellectual property rights. The applicant shall bear responsibility for any legal disputes arising from such claims.
  7. The proposal must be original and innovative in nature. Any use of generative AI in the preparation of the project proposal MUST be disclosed.
  8. An applicant is eligible to submit only ONE application for funding in any given call. An applicant whose name appears in any other applications will be penalized.
  9. Applicants must not in any way be involved in the administration of the Vice Chancellor’s Research and Innovation Grant, including playing an advisory role on the fund.
  10. Applicants who have received funds from other sources for the same project must justify their application for the Vice Chancellor’s Research and Innovation Grant.
  11. Applicants should have relevant qualifications and competence in the subject area of the proposed project.
  12. All members of a research team must sign the proposal before submission to signify their consent to participate in the research project.
  13. Applications submitted through email WILL NOT be considered. The Applicant should submit a duly filled application document in PDF format using the form linked here
  14. A Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) will be signed between the applicants and the University with respect to material nonpublic aspects of their applications.

NOTE:

  • Project team endorsement page/applicant(s) details page should be separated from the proposal submission form and submitted as separate attachments.
  • Identifying information should not appear anywhere within the Proposal application form.