Sheila Shefo Mbiru and Joseph Koech (Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI)) at the Forum on Open Data and Open Science in Agriculture on 15th June 2015

1. Knowledge Management at KEFRI
Sheila Shefo Mbiru 1
and Joseph
Koech2
Kenya Forestry Research Institute
(KEFRI)
1 Head , Knowledge Management
2 Head, Librarian
Forum on Open Data and Open science

2. Introduction to KEFRI
KEFRI; State Corporation established in 1986 and
mandated to undertake research in forestry and allied
natural resources.
Mission: To conduct research and provide information
and technologies for sustainable development of forestry
and allied natural resources for socio-economic
development
Mandate:
•Conduct research in forestry and allied natural resources;
•Disseminate research findings; and
•Establish partnerships and cooperate with other research
organizations and institutions of higher learning in joint
research and training.

3. KEFRI RESEARCH THEMES
The institute conducts research and
development activities under five thematic
areas namely;
•Forest Products Development (FPD)
•Biodiversity and Environment Management
(BEM)
•Socio-Economics, Policy and Governance
(SPG)
•Forest Productivity and Improvement (FPI)
•Technical Support Services (TSS)

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5. Knowledge Management in KEFRI
• Kenya Forestry Research Institute
(KEFRI); generates knowledge through
its research programs by developing
technologies and knowledge products
and services that make significant
contribution to poverty alleviation,
improved livelihoods, environmental
conservation and forestry development
in Kenya.
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6. Knowledge Products
• Datasets
• Decision Support System
• Print; Journal articles, Conference Proceedings, Books,
Technical Reports, Policy Briefs, Pamphlets, Posters,
Brochures, Maps, Newsletters, Facts sheets
• Electronic Media; (Radio / TV )
• www.kefri.org
• Multi Media (CDs, DVDs, Videos ..)
• Field Days and Open Days,
• Demonstration Plots,
• ASK Shows
• Social Media (Blogs, You tube, Facebook, Twitter….)

7. Knowledge Services
 Training
 Farmer Field Schools/Study Tours
 Knowledge Exchange visits,
 Demonstrative training
 Consultancies
 Advisory Services
 Mapping Services
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8. • Although KEFRI manages its knowledge to some degree, there
was no systematic, coordinated and integrated approach to
drive the process.
• This has led to
some stakeholders not being aware of technologies developed
by KEFRI,
research oputputs not in appropriate formats and therefore
not widely disseminated;
loss of knowledge, especially tacit knowledge when KEFRI
staff leave, retire or pass on leading to reduced productivity
and duplication of effort; and
critical data, information and knowledge not properly
captured and stored for easy access, sharing, use and reuse.
• KEFRI in recognition of the importance of knowledge as an
asset and the importance of managing this knowledge; embarked
on a process of insitutionalising knowledge management.
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Approach to creating KM Framework in KEFRI
Meetings held with top management to discuss how
to institutionalize KM
Selection of a 8 Member KM Steering Committee to
drive the institutionalizing process
Training of KM Steering Committee
Benchmarking Visits
Sensitization Seminars in all Centers and sub Centers
Knowledge Audit – staff and selected stakeholders
Development of KM Strategy (2013 – 2018)

10. KM in KEFRI
 The KEFRI KM Strategy is aligned with the
KEFRI Strategic Plan (2013-2018)
 Knowledge Management is one of KEFRIs
strategic objectives and is entrenched into the
KEFRI Corporate Strategy Map and is
cascaded to all Centers and Divisions.
 There is a newly established KM Section;
implementing the KEFRI Knowledge
Management Strategy and guiding
institutionalization of KM in KEFRI.

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KEFRI Knowledge Management
Vision
Excellence in information and knowledge management
for sustainable forestry research and development.
Mission
To effectively manage information and knowledge to
enhance access, application and adoption of forestry
technologies and innovations for improved livelihoods
and environmental conservation.
Objectives
Broad Objective
To enhance efficiency in knowledge creation, capture,
storage, processing, access, sharing and application for
sustainable forestry research and development.

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2.5 KM Specific Objectives
Institutionalise Knowledge Management in order to enhance
impact of KEFRI's knowledge products and services.
Strengthen ICT capacity and staff competence to improve
information and knowledge capture, processing, access,
sharing and application.
Enhance stakeholders' participation in knowledge creation
and dissemination to improve KEFRI's profile and visibility in
multi-sectoral and multi-disciplinary forestry research.
Improve capacity to mobilise resources and institute
monitoring and evaluation mechanisms for sustainable
implementation of Knowledge Management.

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14. KM Activities
 Acquiring relevant infrastructure - Computers,
Servers, Internet Connectivity
 Development of Research Data Management System
 Development of KEFRI Central Repository; (electronic
storage space hosted on a shared server where staff
can store electronic records such as reports, images,
video, audio, policy briefs,
 Development of Policies including Data Management
and Records Management Policies (Open access/
Open data ????)
 Training and Knowledge Exchange
 Change management
 Collaboration initiated with various organizations
including ICRAF, Clinton Foundation and ILRI
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Database
Server
Other
Research
Outputs
Data Management Policy
IFRI
Database
IPM
Database

16. KEFRI KAINET Activities
• 2,600 Publications Digitized
• 1,500 digital publications including
metadata uploaded to KEFRIs Library
Repository
• 20 Biodiversity books digitized and
available on the Biodiversity Heritage
Library Consortium Africa
• Uploaded 1000 Publications on
WebAgris

17. Challenges in KM
• Data Ownership
• Data Accessibility and availability
• Fear of Plagiarism
• Data Security
• Reward and recognition
• Capturing tacit K
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18. Way forward
• Sensitization on benefits of open access and open
data
• Development of institutional policies and guidelines
• Initiate Mentoring and coaching programs
• Initiate and formalize collaboration with organizations
implementing KM
• Continued Digitization of KEFRI publications and
maintaining the intuitional repository
• Development and management of KM Systems
(Research Data, Central Repository…Web and Mobile
Based???)
• Develop proposals for resource mobilization to fund
KM implementation activities

19. THANK YOU