NAIROBI, Kenya- Kenya’s research landscape is set to receive a significant boost as the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) secures a Sh15 billion partnership with the UK-based Wellcome Trust and the University of Oxford.
This seven-year deal, signed on Wednesday, aims to fortify the country’s research capabilities and propel groundbreaking scientific advancements.
The historic agreement was signed by KEMRI Acting Director General Elijah Songok, Wellcome Trust’s Chief Legal Officer Chris Bird, and Chris Price, Chief Operating Officer of the University of Oxford’s Medical Sciences Division.
This partnership builds on more than 30 years of collaboration that has already yielded critical strides in combating diseases such as malaria, pneumonia, meningitis, and HIV.
Notable achievements include the testing of two malaria vaccines and the development of a Rift Valley Fever vaccine.
Songok expressed enthusiasm about the renewed commitment, emphasizing its importance for KEMRI’s research and training initiatives. “This is one of KEMRI’s flagship research and training programmes, contributing more than 30pc of KEMRI’s research output,” he noted.
Wellcome Trust’s Chris Bird credited President William Ruto’s leadership as instrumental in securing the agreement.
Similarly, Oxford’s Chris Price highlighted the collaboration as a model of advancing education and research globally, stating, “Oxford’s mandate is to further learning through teaching and research, and the collaboration with KEMRI is a fantastic example of this in practice.”
Just a day before the signing, President Ruto hosted Julia Gillard, Chair of Wellcome Trust’s Board of Governors, to mark 60 years of partnership between Kenya and the organization.
Reflecting on this milestone, Ruto underscored the trust’s contributions to Kenya’s health research, particularly in addressing malnutrition and infectious diseases.
This partnership not only solidifies Kenya’s position as a hub for cutting-edge medical research but also ensures sustainable funding for vital health initiatives.
KEMRI’s latest partnership with Wellcome Trust and Oxford University underscores a shared commitment to improving global health through innovation.
With Sh15 billion fueling transformative research, Kenya is poised to make even greater strides in tackling some of the world’s most pressing health challenges.
