Description

This policy brief outlines the concept, needs, and rationale for Grant Management Systems (GMS) in Science Granting Councils (SGCs) and highlights the benefits of adopting and implementing such systems within Kenya’s grant ecosystem, particularly in the context of the National Research Fund (NRF). A GMS serves as a valuable tool for setting program targets and goals by providing fund agencies with a comprehensive database on grant activities. It enhances efficiency by ensuring the availability of robust, timely, and accessible grant information for relevant stakeholders involved in grant service delivery. The system also offers a systematic approach to evaluating progress toward agency grant goals and supports fund agencies in managing their financial responsibilities effectively. This policy brief discusses several key areas, including GMS implementation as a change process, its functions, expected results within the NRF setting, the scope of GMS, and the technical approach taken in designing the grant management information system. Additionally, essential components of the GMS—such as application and reporting forms, instruction manuals, and the grant classification dictionary—are briefly described. Examples of data input, retrieval processes, and report production are also elaborated upon to provide a clearer understanding of the system’s functionality.