THE Kenya Industrial Research and Development Institute (KIRDI) is an autonomous R&D organization established under the Science and Technology Act Cap.250 (1979), Laws of Kenya with the Mandate to: "Undertake research and development in all industrial and allied technologies including civil engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical and electronics engineering, chemical engineering, textile technology, mining, power resources, industrial chemistry, food technology, ceramic and clay technology".

 

 To be a centre of excellence in Industrial Research and Development.

 

 Mission

 To promote industrialization in Kenya by undertaking industrial Research, Development and disseminating findings that have a positive impact on national development.

  

 VALUES are integral part of any organization’s culture, which in turn create a sense of identity, belonging, direction and purpose. In our quest for timely provision of quality services we shall be guided by the following core values as articulated in our strategic plan (2009-2012).

 

i.      Objectives will be achieved within the agreed timing at all levels.

ii.    Integrity.

iii.   Transparency and Accountability.

iv.   Teamwork.

v.    Customer focused.

vi.   Quality driven.

 

 KIRDI’s Mandate is to carry out research and development in industrial and allied technologies including; Civil Engineering, Mechanical, Textile technology, Electrical Engineering, Mining, Power Resources, Chemical Engineering, Industrial Chemistry, Food Technology, Ceramics and clay technology.

 

 The core functions of the Institute as outlined in the Science and Technology Act Cap 250, Laws of Kenya are to:

        i.            To carry out research and development in the fields specified in the mandate.

      ii.            To co-operate with other organization and Institutions of higher learning in training programs and on matters of relevant research.

    iii.            To liaise with other research bodies within and outside Kenya carrying out similar research.

     iv.            To disseminate research finding.

       v.            To co-operate with the responsible Ministry, the National Council for Science and Technology and the relevant research committee in matters pertaining to research policies and priorities.

     vi.            To do all such things as appear to be necessary, desirable and expedient to carry out its functions.

 

 The Institute’s mission needs to be translated into detailed objectives to support each level of management. A review of the Institute’s past performance, the current and expected future environment establishment that the objectives of KIRDI are to:

 

i.      Undertake industrial research, development and transfer/disseminate the outputs

ii.    Develop National Industrial Research Programmes

iii.   Mobilize adequate resources to achieve a sustainable financial base for the Institute’s activities

iv.   Improve the Institute’s infrastructure to provide state-of-the-art research and development facilities and equipment

v.    Provide a conducive environment for the continuous development and motivation of staff

vi.   Build technological capacity and industrial information base for the Kenyan industry

vii. Endeavour to attain and maintain higher customer base and international recognition,

viii. Facilitate the establishment of the National Industrial Technology Fund,

ix.   Establish and maintain linkages and network with industry and other stakeholders,

x.    Participate and contribute to research policy formulation and implementation,

xi.   Establish and maintain an institutional and national industrial information focal point,

xii. Undertake monitoring, evaluation and impact assessment

 

 The KIRDI organizational structure consist of various levels of operations and management and focuses on transforming KIRDI into a centre of excellence in industrial R & D with programmers that are market driven.

 

For effective delivery of its core services, A new management structure and programmes with renewed focus have been put in place. The key areas of focus are:

·         Technology Transfer, Innovation and Extension services

·         Industrial research and development

 To assist the Director are three Deputy Directors i.e. Deputy Director Research and Development, Deputy Director Technology Transfer and Extension Services and Deputy Director Finance and Administration.

 

Project Management and Liaison Office, Corporate and Planning office, Public Relations Office and Internal Audit offices are in place to assist the Director too.