Kenya Medical Research Institute

12/05/2026

For more than four decades, KEMRI has shaped Kenya’s scientific and public health landscape through groundbreaking research, innovation, and outbreak preparedness.

On 14 May 2026 at State House Nairobi, KEMRI will achieve a historic milestone with the conferment of a degree-awarding charter.

This marks a new era in scientific leadership, postgraduate training, and health research excellence.

12/05/2026

We are pleased to announce that the Ag. Director General, Prof. Elijah Songok, will be speaking at 2026.

The sessions will bring together leaders in science, technology, research, and innovation to explore pathways for strengthening research ecosystems and advancing innovation for societal impact.

📍 KICC, Nairobi, Kenya
📅 Wednesday, 20th May 2026
⏰ 1530 – 1700 hrs
🔗 Get involved: https://stri4society.go.ke/

is co-convened by National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation, KEMRI, NRF Kenya, and KeNIA

11/05/2026

The inaugural cohort of the Leadership for Innovation and Excellence in Accelerating Research on Women's Health (LEA-WH) Fellowship has officially kicked off its Immersion Week, bringing together 20 fellows from 11 African countries for a five-day convening.

The fellowship marks a significant step in advancing women’s health, an area that has often been underfunded and underrepresented in research, innovation, and policy. Through LEA-WH, fellows will be supported in generating evidence, strengthening leadership, and developing scalable solutions that address women’s health priorities across Africa.

The event was officially opened by Ag. Director General, Prof. Elijah Songok, who described the fellowship as a deliberate investment in leaders who will shape the next generation of women’s health science on the continent and globally.

LEA -WH is funded by the Gates Foundation and implemented by KEMRI in collaboration with the National Academy of Sciences (NAM) programme is led by Principal Investigator Prof. Elizabeth Bukusi, with Dr. Hellen Barsosio, Dr. Serah Gitome, and . Dr. Nyawira Gitahi serving as Co-Investigators. The programme’s technical components are further supported by Dr. Nelly Mugo, R&D and Technical Training Lead; Dr. Rose Bosire , Leadership Development Lead; and Dr. Martin Bundi, Curriculum Development Lead.

The event also featured remarks from several speakers from; National Academy of Medicine Kelly Robins the Gates Foundation- Dr. Jordan Kyongo and Dr. Griffins Manguro, and Dr James Kiarie from the World Health Organization.

09/05/2026

Happy Mother’s Day! Today, we honour and celebrate the mothers and mother figures whose love, strength, sacrifice, and resilience continue to nurture healthier families, stronger communities, and brighter generations. Your care inspires hope and shapes a healthier future for all.

01/05/2026

PS, Public Health & Professional Standards, Mary Muthoni, today visited KEMRI Kirinyaga to assess the proposed site for a teaching & research hospital.

She was received by KEMRI Board Chair, Dr. Abdullahi Ali, and Ag. DG Prof. Elijah Songok (represented by Mr. Jones Otuke), Ag Director Research and Development Dr. Erick Muok alongside senior management and contractors.

30/04/2026

Today, we celebrate the workforce driving Kenya’s progress.

At KEMRI, we are proud to play our part through research, innovation, and evidence that helps build a healthier nation.

29/04/2026

KEMRI has secured a major milestone in global vaccine leadership following Kenya’s election as Vice President of the International Vaccine Institute (IVI) Global Council during a meeting held in Manila, Philippines.

Accepting the role on behalf of Kenya and KEMRI, Ag. Director General and CEO, Prof. Elijah Songok, said the election is a vote of confidence in Kenya’s scientific leadership and a platform to advance vaccine research, equitable access, and local production.

This milestone strengthens KEMRI’s role in shaping global vaccine policy, research, and partnerships, while amplifying Africa’s priorities in pandemic preparedness and health security.

In a further boost to Kenya’s vaccine agenda, the country represented by Kenya Biovax Institute was also elected to the IVI Board of Trustees, strengthening the country’s position in vaccine manufacturing and technology transfer.

28/04/2026

We are excited to announce the successful selection of the inaugural cohort of fellows for the Leadership for Innovation and Excellence in Accelerating Research on Women's Health (LEA-WH) Fellowship Programme 🎉✨

Congratulations to all selected fellows — we are excited to begin this journey together 🤝🌍

We now look forward to welcoming this exceptional group of African researchers and innovators to our upcoming in-person Immersion Week — a key milestone that will bring together fellows, faculty, mentors, and partners for a week of learning, collaboration, networking, and innovation in women’s health 📚💡

The Immersion Week will lay the foundation for a vibrant community of leaders committed to advancing impactful, locally grounded solutions for women’s health across Africa 🌍💜

To learn more about the selected fellows and their inspiring work, visit our website:

🔗https://kgs.ac.ke/lea-wh/cohort1/

Stay tuned for more updates! 📢

27/04/2026

We are excited to announce the successful selection of the inaugural cohort of fellows for the Leadership for Innovation and Excellence in Accelerating Research on Women's Health (LEA-WH) Fellowship Programme.

Congratulations to all selected fellows — we are excited to begin this journey together.

We now look forward to welcoming this exceptional group of African researchers and innovators to our upcoming in-person Immersion Week — a key milestone that will bring together fellows, faculty, mentors, and partners for a week of learning, collaboration, networking, and innovation in women’s health.

The Immersion Week will lay the foundation for a vibrant community of leaders committed to advancing impactful, locally grounded solutions for women’s health across Africa.

Stay tuned for more details!

25/04/2026

This , we join the global community under the theme “Driven to End Malaria: Now We Can. Now We Must,”a call to act with urgency, using the tools, knowledge, and partnerships already within our reach.

Ending malaria will require a multi-layered approach. Vector control remains our first line of defense, protecting communities through interventions such as insecticide-treated nets, indoor residual spraying, spatial repellents and improved housing. At the same time, the growing threat of drug resistance demands sustained surveillance, research, and adaptive treatment strategies to safeguard the effectiveness of current interventions and life-saving medicines.

As malaria evolves, so must our response. Emerging mosquito mutations are beginning to challenge the effectiveness of some existing diagnostics highlighting the urgent need for continuous innovation.

At KEMRI, these pillars come together through science, partnerships, and community engagement. Our researchers continue to generate the evidence needed to inform policy, strengthen interventions, and ensure that progress is both sustained and equitable.

The path to a malaria-free future is within reach. Now we can. Now we must.

24/04/2026

As Kenya continues to advance efforts towards malaria elimination, KEMRI’s Dr. Bernard Abong'o highlights why investing in better housing should be recognized as a frontline defense against disease.

He notes that the path to a malaria-free Kenya will not be built in laboratories and hospitals alone, but also in the homes we design, the materials we choose, and the policies we prioritise.

By investing in better housing, the country can unlock a powerful, homegrown solution that protects families where they are most vulnerable — at home.

🔗Read more: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/build-better-homes-beat-malaria-kenyas-1gjkf

By Dr. Bernard Abong'o Kenya has made major strides against malaria through nets and treatment — but a powerful, overlooked solution lies closer to home.