Research and collaborations

The Government Chemist is Kenya's reference laboratory for forensic science and analytical services, providing impartial results that support justice, public safety and regulatory compliance. It fills a role similar to the Government Chemist in the United Kingdom, Uganda's Directorate of Government Analytical Laboratory and Tanzania's Government Chemist Laboratory Authority. See the referral laboratory role.

Capacity building

• Training scientists from East and Southern Africa, including Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda and Namibia;
• Capacity building for the National Police Service and emergency responders;
• Technical expertise to the Kenya National Accreditation Service (KENAS) in ISO assessments;
• Collaboration with academic institutions on curriculum development, research and training.

Research

The department coordinates research, surveys and field tests in forensic science and chemical matters of national importance.

Competence

Staff include holders of doctoral and master's degrees and scientists trained at institutions in South Africa, the Netherlands, Finland, Japan, Hungary, India, Cyprus, the United States, the United Kingdom and Switzerland. The department takes part in international proficiency testing and specialised training under bodies such as the OPCW and VERIFIN. See quality and proficiency testing.