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