Zetech receiving the Platinum certification under the Good Grant Practice (GFGP) standard from the African Academy of Sciences. Photo from courtesy Zetech post
Zetech University has become the first university in Kenya to receive the Platinum certification under the Good Financial Grant Practice (GFGP) standard.
The recognition places the institution among a small, elite group of African organizations acknowledged for excellence in financial and grant management systems.
The announcement came during the university’s 7th Research and Innovation Week, held from May 28 to 30, 2025, at the Zetech Technology Park in Mang’u, Kiambu County.
The event brought together researchers, partners, and students to showcase innovations and share scientific progress.
“We are proud to be the first university in Kenya to achieve Platinum certification and the second institution overall, as recognised by the sponsor @aphrc,” the university stated in a Facebook post.
What the GFGP Standard Means
The GFGP certification is awarded by the African Academy of Sciences (AAS), a continental body based in Nairobi.
The GFGP framework was developed through AAS’s Global Grant Community, a platform created to streamline grant management practices across Africa.
Launched as the world’s first internationally accredited standard for grant management, GFGP aims to improve transparency, financial discipline, and governance in organizations that handle donor funds.
The standard, formally titled ARS 1651:2018, evaluates institutions on more than 300 indicators across four main categories:
- Financial Management
- Human Resources
- Procurement
- Governance
Institutions seeking GFGP certification must first conduct an internal self-assessment.
This is followed by a formal audit by a licensed, third-party certifier such as PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) or KPMG.
Based on the results, organizations can be awarded one of four levels: Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum.
Platinum certification is the highest level, signifying that an institution has met the most rigorous standards for managing grants and donor resources.
Zetech Joins a Select Group
Zetech University now joins a small but growing list of African institutions that have been certified under the GFGP framework.
In August 2020, the Institute of Primate Research (IPR) in Kenya became the first organization on the continent to be GFGP-certified.
That milestone was followed by others, including:
- African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC), which received Platinum status in June 2022
- KCA University, which achieved Gold certification
According to Zetech, their certification process was supported by APHRC, which served as the sponsor and facilitated the audit.
Why GFGP Matters
As the number of donors and research grants in Africa continues to grow, the ability to manage funds transparently and efficiently has become increasingly important.
The GFGP standard was designed to reduce administrative burdens for both funders and recipients by harmonizing requirements and raising the bar for compliance.
For universities and research institutions, GFGP certification strengthens their credibility with international partners and opens doors to more funding opportunities.
It also serves as an internal accountability tool, helping institutions assess and improve their systems.
About the African Academy of Sciences
Founded in 1985, the African Academy of Sciences is a pan-African, non-aligned, and non-political organization headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya. Its vision is to transform lives across the continent through science.
The Academy’s mission includes:
- Recognizing scientific excellence through fellowships and awards
- Advising governments and institutions on science, technology, and innovation (STI) policy
- Implementing STI programs that address key development challenges in Africa
Through its initiatives, including the Global Grant Community, the AAS has played a key role in promoting stronger research ecosystems on the continent.
What’s Next for Zetech
The Platinum certification awarded to Zetech is valid for three years. During this period, the university is expected to maintain high standards in grant management, governance, and financial control.
This achievement positions Zetech as a model for other universities and organizations aiming to strengthen their research administration systems.
With research and innovation playing a growing role in Kenya’s development agenda, such recognitions are not only milestones for the institutions involved but also signals of a shifting culture in African higher education — one that values accountability, standards, and global readiness.
