NAIROBI, Kenya — The Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) has dismissed social media reports claiming that it is recruiting volunteers for a malaria study in which participants would be deliberately infected with the disease in exchange for Sh48,000.
The reports, which circulated widely online, alleged that KEMRI was seeking 200 volunteers who would be required to remain in the hospital for 24 days as part of the study.
In a statement issued on its official social media platforms, KEMRI described the claims as misleading and inaccurate, urging members of the public to rely only on information disseminated through its official communication channels.
“All KEMRI research involving human participants is conducted under strict ethical and regulatory oversight,” the institute said.
The research body emphasized that participant safety, informed consent, and adherence to ethical standards remain central to all studies involving human subjects.
KEMRI did not indicate whether any malaria-related research is currently underway, but stressed that any legitimate recruitment for research studies would be communicated through official channels and conducted in accordance with approved ethical and scientific procedures.
The clarification comes as misinformation surrounding medical research continues to spread on social media, often generating public concern and confusion.
Kenya remains a key hub for malaria research, with KEMRI partnering with international institutions in the development of treatments, diagnostics, and vaccines aimed at combating the disease.
According to the Ministry of Health, malaria remains one of Kenya’s leading public health challenges, with approximately 70 per cent of the population living in areas at risk of infection. Millions of cases are reported annually, particularly in western Kenya and regions around Lake Victoria.
To address the burden of the disease, the government has implemented the Kenya Malaria Strategy 2023–2027, which outlines interventions aimed at reducing infections and advancing malaria elimination efforts. The strategy aligns with the country’s broader health sector goals and incorporates global guidance under the Global Technical Strategy for Malaria 2016–2030.
The framework emphasizes prevention, universal access to malaria interventions, community participation, and equitable healthcare delivery, while supporting Kenya’s Vision 2030 objective of shifting healthcare focus from treatment to prevention.
The false recruitment claims emerged as Kenyan health authorities intensified preparedness measures against the ongoing Ebola outbreak affecting parts of East and Central Africa.
As part of those efforts, a KEMRI delegation recently distributed personal protective equipment (PPE) and infection prevention supplies to health facilities and border health units in Busia, Malaba, and Uasin Gishu counties to strengthen disease surveillance and emergency response capacity.
Health officials have urged the public to verify medical information through official government and institutional platforms to avoid falling victim to misinformation that could undermine public health efforts.
