Bridging ethical & security gaps in Kenyan research: a critical analysis of ethical review boards and the data protection authority

<ns3:p>The evolving landscape of research in Kenya, particularly in health sciences and cross-border data studies, reveals critical ethical and security gaps stemming from the fragmented roles of Ethical Review Boards (ERBs) and the Data Protection Authority (DPA). This study investigates the regulatory overlaps, inconsistencies, and jurisdictional ambiguities between ERBs and the DPA, which contribute to cybersecurity vulnerabilities and potential ethical breaches in handling sensitive human participant data. Using a mixedmethods approach involving key informant interviews, document analysis, and case studies, the research identifies gaps in data governance frameworks, limited harmonization of ethical guidelines, and weak enforcement mechanisms. The findings underscore the urgent need for integrated regulatory frameworks that foster collaboration between ERBs and the DPA to strengthen data protection, enhance ethical compliance, and mitigate risks associated with data misuse in research. This study proposes policy recommendations aimed at bridging these gaps to promote robust ethical standards and cybersecurity resilience in Kenyan research environments.</ns3:p>