Message from the Chair: Research, Consultancy and Innovation

Research and scholarship is central to the mission of the Polytechnic. It is the cornerstone of the continuing creation of the knowledge which is the foundation of all disciplines. It directly contributes to social well-being, health, culture, economic development and the advancement of society.

Research and scholarship can flourish only in a climate of academic freedom which includes freedom of inquiry and the right to disseminate the results thereof, freedom to challenge conventional thought, freedom from institutional censorship, and the privilege of conducting research on human and animal subjects. However, with academic freedom comes the responsibility to ensure that all research and scholarship: is informed by the principles of honesty, integrity, trust, accountability and collegiality; meets high scientific and ethical standards; is conducted with honest and thoughtful inquiry, rigorous analysis, and accountability for the use of professional standards; and seeks to increase knowledge in ways that do not harm but which benefit society.

The cultivation of these values in the Polytechnic community are advanced by the ongoing education of its members in matters of research integrity, and by adopting appropriate policies within which research and scholarship should be conducted.

The Polytechnic’s research policy establishes a general framework for the conduct of research. It is premised on individual responsibility for the selection and conduct of research and scholarship as individual members of the Polytechnic community are best positioned, through special knowledge, to be aware of both the manner in which their research and scholarly activity is being conducted, and the consequences of such activity.

Special responsibility rests with researchers to remain aware of the consequences of their research and to balance the potential benefits against the possibility of harmful applications.

Mandate of the Department

Kenya Coast National Polytechnic (KCNP) derives its mandate as a middle level training institution from the Polytechnic Order, 2016 and the TVET Act, 2013 with an expanded mandate replacing what was Mombasa Technical Training Institute (MTTI). In this regard, KCNP will continue participating in the discovery, transmission, preservation and enhancement of knowledge and to stimulate the intellectual participation of students in the economic, technological, professional and cultural development of Kenya.

The research mission and vision of KCNP are anchored on the same pillar as it aims at creating a conducive environment for research, production and extension services. The research policy ensures that there is effective and efficient utilization of research facilities, equipment and grants within the Polytechnic for socio-economic development and performance contracting.

KCNP continues to strengthen a learning culture amongst staff and students that encourages and educates them to be productive and competitive through research and innovation. In this regard, a number of activities are carried out both internally within the institution and externally in competition with other learning institutions.

Institutionally;

As a requirement by the KNEC, and to encourage the transfer of theoretical knowledge into practical knowledge, students are required to come up with trade projects guided and supervised by the course tutors or project supervisors in the departments at the end of their training. These projects are graded and the best are picked for further improvement and exhibition. 

Externally;

  1. KCNP participates in TVET trade fairs and exhibitions organized by KATTI both at regional and national levels. A number of awards have been registered by student innovators.
  2. KCNP participates in Annual International ASK shows in Mombasa and Nairobi where innovations are exhibited.
  3. KCNP participates in CAPA conferences and is a member of CAPA.
  4. KCNP participates in KATTI scientific conferences where scientific researches from lecturers are disseminated.