2. What does KIPPRA do?

KIPPRA provides public policy advice to the Government of Kenya and clients in private and public sectors by conducting objective public policy research and analysis and capacity building programmes that meet contractual requirements, and applicable legal and statutory requirements. Essentially, KIPPRA is the Think Tank of the Government of Kenya on public policy issues.

3.Which areas of research does KIPPRA focus on?

Basically all sectors of the Kenyan economy, including macroeconomics, productive sector such as agriculture, tourism, environment and natural resources, manufacturing, small and micro enterprises; the social sectors such as education, health, labour; infrastructure and economic services such as transport, construction, and housing; and private sector development issues including regulation, finance, markets; governance; and trade and foreign policy.

4. How does KIPPRA establish its research and capacity building agenda?

KIPPRA identifies its annual research and capacity building agenda through an annual client satisfaction survey, regular interaction with government and private sector through taskforces, through government medium and long term development blueprints, and through proactive approaches especially in identifying long term research agenda.

5. How do you carry out your capacity building mandate?

Since the objective of KIPPRA’s capacity building is to strengthen the ability of government officers to analyze policy issues and absorb the research and policy analysis products, the Institute has institutionalized four stakeholder capacity building programmes: Young Professionals (YPs) Programme for officers in the public and private sectors; Macroeconomic Modelling training for government officials and the private sector; Mentorship Programme targeting senior and experienced researchers from the government and private sector, which enables the Institute to leverage on analytical skills and practical experience that it may not be able to hire on full time long term basis; and Senior Fellowship Programme where government officers join the Institute for a period of three months to two years, during which the officers undertake analysis of policy issues relevant to their line of work.

6. Who does KIPPRA target?

KIPPRA targets the general public; government ministries, departments and agencies; other stakeholders such as the private sector, international organizations, and development partners; and media.

7. Does KIPPRA partner with other institutions?

Yes. The Institute establishes links with local and international organizations and maintains a resourceful network and database of researchers, or research associates. These networks are useful in facilitating joint projects, as sources of data and information, and in providing capacity building opportunities for KIPPRA researchers.

8. How can I get some of KIPPRA’s outputs?

The Institute disseminates its products through publications, policy briefs, workshops, conferences, and exhibitions. The publications are available on our website and library.

9. Are the publications for free?

Publications are sold to individuals, but are free to Government ministries, departments, and agencies, who send requests to be put on the mailing list.

10. Do I have to pay to use the Institute’s library?

You do not pay to use the library but this is subject to availability of space, and adherence to rules of library use.

11. Who supports KIPPRA’s activities?

KIPPRA’s activities are supported by the Government of Kenya, the African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF), European Union (EU), and the Think Tank Initiative of IDRC. Other partners who have often supported research projects at the institute include the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP), the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and Department for International Development (DfID).