The Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) is positioning itself to play a leading role in implementing the Kenya–United States Health Cooperation Framework, with the aim of overseeing key functions such as disease surveillance, reference laboratory services, and biobanking as Kenya continues to strengthen its health security systems.
The Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) is positioning itself to play a leading role in implementing the Kenya–United States Health Cooperation Framework, with the aim of overseeing key functions such as disease surveillance, reference laboratory services, and biobanking as Kenya continues to strengthen its health security systems.
“Public health protection is a key mandate of KEMRI,” Professor Bulimo stated. “We have identified up to 10 areas, including serving as the reference laboratory tier outlined in the framework. We have the capacity to manage the national biobank and provide ethical review for specimens and data.”
As Kenya’s premier biomedical research institution and the custodian of the national reference laboratory and biobank, KEMRI maintains that it is well positioned to coordinate various components of the framework.
“Kenya sits at a high-risk crossroads for emerging and cross-border diseases. We know right now that if anything that happens in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), it can be here in a matter of hours.”
“KEMRI is the country’s shield, because our role is to carry out research and also support other government agencies in making sure that these diseases do not come here. So you’ll find that the mandate of KEMRI is very clear in helping us deal with health security.”
The official visit included an inspection of the ongoing construction of the KEMRI Multi-Phase Laboratories as part of the delegation’s assessment of the institute’s readiness to strengthen Kenya’s health security. Professor Bulimo said KEMRI’s surveillance system integrates nationwide disease monitoring networks with advanced laboratory infrastructure, including high-containment facilities and genomic sequencing capabilities that support the rapid detection and identification of emerging diseases.
Acting Director-General Prof. Elijah Songok assured lawmakers that the expanded academic mandate would not interfere with KEMRI’s primary responsibilities in biomedical research and protecting the country’s health security.
“We have been doing training and we have graduated more than 1,200 students. We just did not have the mandate to give them degrees and this charter allows us to do that.”
Speaking after the visit, Health Committee Chairperson Dr. James Nyikal said Parliament had recognized KEMRI’s expanded mandate and would support reforms aimed at strengthening the institution, including increased funding and the commercialization of locally developed health innovations.
“KEMRI carries out a lot of research and produces many products that can be used in our hospitals and in turn assist in revenue generation.” Dr Nyikal said.
Adding, “we have recommended that we find a way of commercializing these products so that Kenyans can benefit from the excellent work being undertaken by our scientists.”
Dr Nyikal also noted the institutions need for additional funding especially for research and the completion of it’s critical infrastructure projects.