KEMRI

The Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) stands as a beacon of medical research excellence in Africa. Established in 1979 through the Science and Technology (Amendment) Act, KEMRI has evolved into Kenya's premier health research institution. Operating under the Science, Technology and Innovation Act 2013, the institute serves as the national body responsible for conducting and coordinating health research in Kenya. Institutional Overview As a state corporation, KEMRI has transformed from its modest beginnings into a globally recognized center of excellence in health research. The institute operates under Legal Notice No. 35 of March 2021, cementing its position as Kenya's medical research arm and primary health advisory body to the government. Core Mandates and Responsibilities Research and Development Conduct comprehensive health, biomedical, and public health research Undertake scientific and technological innovation Lead disease surveillance and rapid response initiatives Support evidence-based healthcare policy development Capacity Building Develop human health research capabilities Establish research training programs Foster intellectual growth in healthcare sciences Support healthcare worker education and training Collaboration and Partnership Partner with local and international research institutions Facilitate knowledge exchange programs Coordinate with government healthcare agencies Build networks with academic institutions Innovation and Implementation Establish innovation incubation centers Bridge research, policy, and industry gaps Support healthcare product development Drive technological advancement in healthcare Research Centers and Specialized Units Biotechnology and Development Centre for Biotechnology Research and Development (CBRD) Focus on diagnostic kit development Vaccine research and delivery technology Innovation in biotechnological solutions Clinical and Public Health Centre for Clinical Research (CCR) Centre for Public Health Research (CPHR) Centre for Respiratory Diseases Research (CRDR) Implementation of public health initiatives Specialized Research Centers Centre for Geographic Medicine Research-Coast (CGMR-C) Centre for Global Health Research (CGHR) Centre for Microbiology Research (CMR) Centre for Virus Research (CVR) Traditional Medicine and Drug Research Centre for Traditional Medicine and Drug Research (CTMDR) Study of traditional healing practices Drug development and testing Integration of traditional and modern medicine International Partnerships and Collaborations Global Research Partners Wellcome Trust US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) World Health Organization (WHO) US Agency for International Development (USAID) Regional Research Networks Ghana National Institute of Medical Research Ethiopia Health and Nutrition Research Institute Makerere University Medical School University of Zambia Medical School Local Academic Partnerships Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology University of Nairobi Maseno University Key Achievements and Contributions Disease Surveillance and Response COVID-19 research and response HIV/AIDS research initiatives Cholera outbreak management Ebola preparedness Yellow Fever surveillance Rift Valley Fever studies Healthcare Guidelines Development Emergency Care of Critically Ill Children (ETAT) guidelines National Guidelines for Cancer Prevention Biosafety and biosecurity protocols Traditional medicine regulation frameworks Regional Impact and Devolution County-Level Implementation Seven regional research clusters Coverage of all 47 counties Localized health research initiatives Community-based healthcare solutions National Health Advisory Role Policy development support Healthcare delivery guidance Disease outbreak management Public health recommendations Innovation and Technology Research Infrastructure State-of-the-art laboratories Modern research facilities Digital health solutions Biotechnology platforms Product Development Diagnostic tools Vaccine research Medical equipment innovation Healthcare technology solutions Future Direction and Strategic Focus Research Priorities Emerging disease threats Non-communicable diseases Traditional medicine integration Public health challenges Development Goals Enhanced research capacity Expanded international collaborations Strengthened local partnerships Advanced technology adoption Social Impact and Community Engagement Public Health Education Community awareness programs Health literacy initiatives Disease prevention education Public health campaigns Healthcare Worker Training Professional development programs Research methodology training Clinical practice guidelines Capacity building workshops Recognition and Excellence Global Standing Leading African research institution International research collaborations Scientific publication contributions Healthcare innovation leadership National Impact Government health advisory role Disease outbreak management Healthcare policy development Public health advancement Conclusion KEMRI stands as a testament to Kenya's commitment to advancing medical research and improving public health. Through its comprehensive research programs, international collaborations, and dedication to excellence, KEMRI continues to play a crucial role in shaping healthcare delivery and policy in Kenya and beyond. As it moves forward, the institute remains focused on innovative research, capacity building, and maintaining its position as a global leader in health research. Contact Information Headquarters: Kenya Operating under: Science, Technology and Innovation Act 2013 Legal Framework: Legal Notice No. 35 of March 2021 Scope: National medical research institution serving all 47 counties