ICPAK 7TH RESEARCH CONFERENCE 2026 (virtual option)

THE INSTITUTE OF CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS OF KENYA
(Established under the Accountants Act, Laws of Kenya)

ICPAK 7TH RESEARCH CONFERENCE 2026
Theme:  Advancing Sustainability and Innovation through Accountancy Research 
Date: 12th-14th August 2026
Time: 09.00am-03.30pm
Venue: Virtual Delivery

INTRODUCTION

The 7th ICPAK Research Conference, themed “Advancing Sustainability and Innovation Through Accountancy Research,”, seeks to bring together practitioners, academics, policymakers, regulators, researchers, and industry stakeholders to explore how accountancy research can advance sustainability and innovation.

Globally, integrating sustainability into business strategy and financial decisions has become essential to achieving long-term growth. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, and Kenya’s development frameworks, including Vision 2030 and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, emphasize the need to balance economic growth with ESG responsibility.

Despite the existence of these frameworks, empirical studies show that while there has been increased adoption of sustainability and ESG reporting, their integration into financial management and reporting remains limited. Many institutions continue to approach sustainability and innovation as separate functions, resulting in inconsistent application in business and public sector decision-making.

At the same time, developments in artificial intelligence and financial technology are redefining how performance is measured and value is reported. However, the accountancy profession faces the challenge of adapting to technological change while ensuring that ethical and sustainability-driven practices remain central to financial management.

The 7th Research Conference, therefore, seeks to address this gap by providing a platform for the sharing of research findings and emerging trends to strengthen sustainability and shape the future of the accountancy profession in Kenya and beyond.

1. RATIONALE

The rationale for the conference is grounded in key global and national developments, outlined as follows:

• International reporting standards such as IFRS S1 and S2 have highlighted the need for reliable and comparable disclosures. Accountancy research on these areas can strengthen sustainability and integrated reporting and improve investor and stakeholder confidence.
• Economies are facing increasing risks from climate-related risks such as droughts and floods, which pose a threat to economic growth and stability. Accountancy research can illuminate best practices and develop frameworks for climate financial management.
• Emerging technologies such as AI, blockchain, big data analytics, and fintech are transforming financial management, auditing, and reporting. Although these tools enhance efficiency, they also raise important ethical governance and data protection concerns that require more research and policy alignment.
• Kenya’s transition to accrual-based public sector accounting and ongoing reforms present opportunities to improve accountability and fiscal sustainability. Accountancy research can assess the impact of these reforms, identify implementation gaps, and propose strategies to enhance public sector governance.

2. SUB-THEMES OF THE 7^TH RESEARCH CONFERENCE

The conference will focus on five key thematic areas:

• Accounting and Financial Reporting
• Taxation and Public Finance Management
• Innovation and Digital Transformation
• Risk Analysis and Financial Management
• Accountability and Auditing

3. SUBMISSIONS OF ABSTRACTS AND PAPERS

The Institute invites submission of abstracts and papers from researchers in the following accountancy-related thematic areas;

4. IMPORTANT DATES

Researchers interested in presenting papers should use the link provided and the attached Submission of Instructions Form on the dates specified below:

• Expression of interest: 27^th February 2026
• Deadline for submission of abstracts: 15^th May 2026
• Notification of acceptance of abstracts 6^th June 2026
• Deadline for submission of full papers: 30^th June 2026
• Notification of acceptance of paper: 14^th July 2026
• Presentation of Papers at 7th Research Conference: 12^th – 14^th August 2026

5. SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

• Researchers interested in presenting at the conference should submit an expression of interest on or before 20^th March 2026 at xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
• Submissions should be in English and should be sent electronically to research@icpak.com. All enquiries should be channeled to the email above.
• Only full papers, including an abstract of no more than 300 words, will be considered. Authors’ names and details (affiliations and addresses, including that of co-authors), and email address of the corresponding author should appear on a separate cover page. By submitting a paper, you agree that, if the paper is accepted, you or one of your co-authors undertakes to present it during the conference. In addition, one author should not be listed as a presenter for more than two submissions.
• Regular research papers, case study papers, empirical evaluation papers and regular tool papers of max 25 pages, tool demonstration papers of max 6 pages + mandatory appendix of maximum 6 pages
• All accepted papers will appear in the proceedings and have presentations during the conference. A condition of submission is that, if the submission is accepted, one of the authors attends the conference to give the presentation.
• Submitted papers must be in English, presenting original research. They must be unpublished and not submitted for publication elsewhere. Simultaneous submission of the same contribution to multiple conferences is forbidden.
• Submissions must follow international formatting guidelines and be submitted electronically in word. Submissions not adhering to the specified format and length may be rejected immediately.

6. ASSESSMENT CRITERION

Full papers will be assessed on the following parameters among others;

7. BENEFITS

The following are some of the benefits of attending the 7^th Research Conference 2026

1. Research Insights on Current Sustainability Challenges

Delegates will gain valuable insights from research focused on tackling sustainability challenges. The conference will present evidence-based recommendations on leveraging innovation and sustainable practices to strengthen accountability and drive value creation in both private and public sectors.

1. Professional Growth and Knowledge Sharing

Delegates will exchange ideas, share experiences, and explore strategies that advance accounting practices, sustainability reporting, and innovative financial management, enhancing their capacity to respond to emerging trends.

1. Exposure to Innovative Solutions

The research conference will highlight solutions such as AI, blockchain, big data analytics, and fintech applications that can improve decision-making, optimize financial processes, and promote sustainable organizational performance

1. Networking Opportunities
   Engage with thought leaders, policymakers, and professionals across various sectors of the economy. The research conference provides a platform for participants to share experiences, exchange ideas, and build relationships that can support career growth and collaborative initiatives.

TARGET AUDIENCE

This training will be useful to professional Accountants and professionals from the Public Sector.

 CONTINUOUS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT UNITS (CPD UNITS):

Members of ICPAK and reciprocating professional bodies will be awarded 20 Structured CPD Units upon successful completion of the virtual symposium.

FINANCIAL COMMITMENT:

ONLINE BOOKING

Registration: Delegates are reminded to note that online booking for the workshop is mandatory on https://www.icpak.com/event-registration/Online Booking

We call on interested participants to note that booking for the event is available online at www.icpak.com  and will close two hours before the training session.

NATIONAL INDUSTRIAL TRAINING AUTHORITY (NITA) REIMBURSEMENT

The Institute is registered as a trainer with National Industrial Training Authority. The Institute’s registration number is DIT/TRN/47. Participants who are registered levy contributors should apply to NITA for reimbursement of their fees. Please note that this is applicable for Kenyan citizens only and subject to NITA regulations. Remember that to qualify you should apply to NITA for approval prior to the date of the conference. Further details can be obtained from their website (www.nita.go.ke)

Further requests can be channeled to us via telephone calls on +254 719 074 000, or via email to marketing@icpak.com