Kenya to triple science funding by 2036 as the KEMRI’s 16th KASH Conference begins in Nairobi

KENYA—The 16th KEMRI Annual Scientific and Health Research Conference has opened its doors at Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi, drawing 1,400 delegates for four days of critical conversations about the future of healthcare in Kenya and across the region.

Running from February 10 to 13, 2026, the conference operates under the theme “The Future of Health: Scientific Research, Innovation, Technologies & Manufacturing for a Resilient UHC.”

Researchers, policymakers, academics, and leaders from both public and private sectors have gathered to explore how science and innovation can strengthen health systems and advance Universal Health Coverage.

A Platform for science-driven solutions

The conference has attracted significant participation, with 405 scientific abstracts submitted and 22 symposiums scheduled throughout the week.

This growing engagement reflects increasing recognition of health research as a cornerstone of national development.

Conference Chair Dr. Cecilia Mbae described the event as deliberately designed to bridge science and policy, innovation and impact, and research and real-world solutions.

KEMRI Director-General Prof. Elijah Songok called it “the biggest platform for strengthening the link between science and implementation,” emphasizing the institution’s role in translating laboratory findings into policies that directly improve citizens’ health.

Government pledges major increase in science funding

In his opening address, Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale announced that government funding for science will progressively increase from the current 0.8 percent of GDP to 2 percent by 2036 under a new 10-year national science strategy.

“This is a deliberate step to position Kenya as a regional hub for research and innovation,” Duale said.

“Science and innovation are at the heart of development, and they are central to building a resilient, affordable, and locally anchored health system.”

The Cabinet Secretary emphasized that health forms a key pillar of the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, with science and technology playing critical roles in delivering Universal Health Coverage.

He outlined four pillars supporting UHC: primary healthcare, a fit-for-purpose health workforce, access to essential services, and a strong digital health ecosystem.

Digital health transforms service delivery

Duale highlighted how digitization now allows the government to track hospital capacity and service delivery in real time.

“Technology allows us to see bed occupancy and service demand as they happen. This helps improve efficiency and accountability in our health facilities,” he explained.

This digital infrastructure forms part of a broader effort to build a health system that protects families from catastrophic health costs while improving overall service quality and responsiveness.

Vaccine manufacturing takes center stage

A major focus of the government’s science investment plan centers on local vaccine manufacturing, which Duale characterized as a matter of national security and sovereignty.

“It is unacceptable that 99 percent of vaccines used in Africa are imported,” he stated.

“Local manufacturing is not an option—it is a strategic necessity.”

Prof. Elijah Songok reinforced this message, noting that vaccine research, development, and manufacturing have moved beyond optional scientific pursuits to become pillars of national health security, industrial policy, economic resilience, and self-reliance.

Through partnerships such as the KEMRI and Kenya BioVax Institute, Kenya aims to localize up to 60 percent of vaccine production in the coming years.

This push gains urgency as the country expects to transition from Gavi support by 2030.

“Covid-19 exposed deep global inequalities. Africa was left at the back of the queue,” Duale observed.

“We have learned our lesson, and we must prepare by building domestic manufacturing capacity.”

Aligning research with national development

The 10-year science strategy running from 2026 to 2036 will align academia, research institutions, and industry with measurable national outcomes.

The government plans to strengthen regulatory systems, build manufacturing capacity, and foster innovation ecosystems that connect researchers with industry.

KEMRI Board Chair Dr. Abdullahi Ali emphasized that the future of health systems will depend on the strength of research ecosystems, innovation pipelines, and the capacity to manufacture solutions locally.

KEMRI itself has been elevated as a strategic national institution with an expanded role in linking science to industry and supporting mission-driven research in genomics, climate and health, and emerging diseases.

Duale called on researchers to intensify mission-oriented research, publish more widely, collaborate across sectors, and increase patenting of innovations.

He also invited development partners and investors to work with Kenya in building a strong, science-driven economy.

“Kenya is open to partnerships that create jobs, transfer knowledge, and deliver quality health products,” he said.

“If we align our science with our national agenda, we will secure better health and economic benefits not only for our people but also for the region and the world.”

Conference highlights and Key Sessions

Day one focused on advancing Kenya’s vaccine research, development, and manufacturing capacity.

The session brought together researchers, policymakers, industry leaders, and partners to lay the foundation for bold, locally driven solutions that strengthen resilience and preparedness.

The second day will feature critical conversations about the region’s health future.

Mr. Ken Mwige will deliver a keynote address on Kenya’s progress toward achieving the 60 percent continental vaccine sustainability target by 2024, examining milestones achieved, lessons learned, and the path ahead.

Additional plenary sessions will include Dr. Anne Amulele sharing insights on tracking deadly bacterial infections in Kenya’s newborn units and Dr. Ombeva Malande exploring vaccination as a strategic tool in addressing antimicrobial resistance.

Also present at the opening ceremony were Mr. Stephen Muleshi, representing the Principal Secretary for the State Department of Public Health, and members of the KEMRI Board of Directors, including Dr. Damaris Maweu, CPA Faith Mwongerah, Mr. Christopher Marwa, Mr. Luka Chemwolo, Ms. Vivian Chebichii, Ms. Wangui Njenga, and Dr. Ruth Bosire.

The conference continues through February 13, serving as a critical platform for aligning research, policy, innovation, and manufacturing in pursuit of a resilient and sustainable health system for Kenya and the region.