KENYA—The Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) has signed a seven-year partnership agreement with the Wellcome Trust, a UK-based charitable organization, and the University of Oxford.
The signing ceremony took place at KEMRI’s headquarters in Nairobi, marking a significant milestone in Kenya’s research and healthcare journey.
Through this collaboration, Wellcome has pledged GBP 91 million (US$116 Million) to support research initiatives in Kenya over the next seven years.
This funding highlights the longstanding commitment between Kenya and Wellcome, which dates back over six decades.
Prof. Elijah Songok, KEMRI’s Acting Director General and CEO, signed the agreement on behalf of the institution.
He emphasized the importance of the KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, noting that it contributes to more than 30% of KEMRI’s research output.
Prof. Songok expressed gratitude for Wellcome’s unwavering support, highlighting the program’s role as a cornerstone of KEMRI’s research and training efforts.
Chris Bird, Wellcome’s Chief Legal Officer, shared similar sentiments, expressing pride in the organization’s investment in Kenya.
He acknowledged President William Ruto’s critical role in facilitating the agreement’s success.
Meanwhile, Chris Price, Chief Operating Officer of Oxford University’s Medical Sciences Division, emphasized the university’s mission to advance education and research, calling the partnership with KEMRI a prime example of this vision in action.
Earlier in the week, the Kenyan government hosted Dr. Julia Gillard, Chair of the Wellcome Trust Board of Governors and former Prime Minister of Australia, along with Prof. Irene Tracey, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Oxford.
Their visit marked the 60th anniversary of Wellcome’s research partnership with Kenya.
During their stay, they met President Ruto at the State House to celebrate this enduring collaboration.
Dr. Abdullahi Ali, Chair of KEMRI’s Board of Directors, also expressed his appreciation to President Ruto for ensuring the program’s continuity and securing the grant.
He thanked Dr. Gillard for her pivotal role in the negotiations and noted that the funding will support critical areas such as discovery research, mental health, climate and health, and KEMRI’s evaluation of Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) initiative.
KEMRI’s collaboration with Wellcome Trust and Oxford University has lasted over 35 years and has resulted in groundbreaking achievements in health research.
These include advancements in malaria, pneumonia, meningitis, HIV, malnutrition, vaccine development, and COVID-19 response efforts.
The renewed agreement promises to build on this legacy, paving the way for innovative solutions to pressing health challenges in Kenya and beyond.
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