Research Proposal Sample Kenyatta University

RESEARCH CONSULTANCY & ACADEMIC SUPPORT AGREEMENT

Document ID: KU-RES-2024-001
Effective Date: [Effective Date]
Version: 1.0
Governing Jurisdiction: Republic of Kenya

1. STATUTORY & LEGAL COMPLIANCE NOTICE

This document is a formal legal instrument. It is drafted to comply with the laws of the Republic of Kenya and international academic integrity standards. Parties acknowledge that this agreement concerns research development and consultancy services for Kenyatta University (KU) submission requirements. This document does not constitute an agreement to facilitate academic fraud or plagiarism; all services provided hereunder are strictly for editorial, methodological, and consultative support. The user acknowledges that final submission of research to Kenyatta University remains the sole responsibility of the Student/Researcher.

2. PARTIES & RECITALS

This Agreement is entered into by and between: [Company Full Legal Name], a consultancy entity with its principal office located at [Company Principal Address] ("Consultant"), and [Client Full Legal Name], an individual/entity with a registered address at [Client Principal Address] ("Client").

WHEREAS, the Client is preparing a research proposal for submission to Kenyatta University; and WHEREAS, the Consultant possesses the requisite expertise to provide technical, editorial, and methodological guidance for such research; NOW, THEREFORE, the parties agree as follows:

3. OPERATIVE CLAUSES

3.1 Scope of Services

The Consultant shall provide the following professional services: (i) structural review of the research proposal; (ii) methodological critique and refinement; (iii) editorial assistance; and (iv) adherence review against Kenyatta University’s specific research guidelines. The Consultant shall not write, ghostwrite, or falsify data for the research proposal.

3.2 Compensation & Payment Terms

The Client shall pay the Consultant a total fee of [Amount in USD]. Payment shall be structured as follows: (i) 50% retainer due upon execution of this Agreement; (ii) 50% due upon delivery of final consultative feedback. Invoices are payable within seven (7) days of receipt. Late payments shall accrue interest at a rate of 1.5% per month or the maximum permitted by law, whichever is lower.

3.3 Term & Termination

This Agreement shall commence on the Effective Date and terminate upon the delivery of final services. Either party may terminate this Agreement for convenience upon fourteen (14) days’ written notice. In the event of a material breach, the non-breaching party shall provide written notice, and the breaching party shall have a ten (10) day cure period before termination becomes effective.

3.4 Intellectual Property Ownership & Work Made for Hire

All research data, original concepts, and the final thesis/proposal remain the exclusive property of the Client. The Consultant hereby assigns to the Client all right, title, and interest in any intellectual property developed specifically for the Client under this Agreement. This provision is intended to be a "work made for hire" arrangement under applicable copyright laws.

3.5 Mutual Confidentiality & Non-Disclosure

Both parties agree to hold in strict confidence all proprietary research data, personal identifiers, and internal institutional documents disclosed during the performance of this Agreement. This obligation survives the termination of this Agreement for a period of three (3) years.

3.6 Representations & Warranties

The Consultant represents that it possesses the requisite skills to perform the services. The Client represents that they are the sole owner of the research content and that the project complies with all Kenyatta University academic integrity policies.

3.7 Limitation of Liability & Indemnification

The Consultant’s total liability under this Agreement shall not exceed the total fees paid by the Client. The Client agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Consultant from any claims arising from the Client’s academic submissions, including but not limited to plagiarism allegations or institutional disciplinary actions resulting from the Client's conduct.

3.8 Dispute Resolution & Arbitration

Any dispute arising out of or in connection with this Agreement shall be referred to arbitration by a single arbitrator appointed by the parties, to be held in Nairobi, Kenya, in accordance with the Arbitration Act, 1995.

3.9 Governing Law & Jurisdiction

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Republic of Kenya. The parties submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Nairobi.

3.10 Miscellaneous

This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties. No amendment shall be binding unless executed in writing. If any provision is found to be unenforceable, the remainder shall continue in full force and effect. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts.

4. EXECUTION & SIGNATURE BLOCKS

FOR [COMPANY FULL LEGAL NAME]: Signature: _____________________________________ Printed Name: [Authorized Signatory Name] Title: [Title / Role] Company: [Company Legal Name] Date: [Date]

FOR [CLIENT FULL LEGAL NAME]: Signature: _____________________________________ Printed Name: [Authorized Signatory Name] Title: [Title / Role] Date: [Date]

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5. STEP-BY-STEP EXECUTION & FILING GUIDE

1. Customization: Copy this text into a word processor (MS Word/Google Docs). Use the "Find and Replace" function (Ctrl+H) to update all bracketed fields [...] with the accurate, verified data.
2. Review: Ensure the "Scope of Services" accurately reflects the work agreed upon. Do not include specific research data within the contract; keep research data in separate, password-protected files.
3. Verification: Confirm the signatory for the Consultant is an authorized officer of the entity. For the Client, ensure they are legally competent to enter into the agreement.
4. Digital Signature: For maximum enforceability, upload the finalized document to a reputable e-signature platform (e.g., DocuSign, Adobe Sign, or HelloSign). These platforms provide a "Certificate of Completion" with an audit trail, which is crucial for dispute resolution.
5. Record Retention: Maintain a digital copy of the fully executed agreement in a secure cloud environment for a minimum of seven (7) years to comply with standard audit and statutory record-keeping practices.