KENYA— The Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), a state corporation responsible for conducting research in human health in Kenya, has announced its intention to establish the KEMRI Eldoret Center.
This decision originates from the renewed commitment of the County Government of Uasin Gishu and KEMRI towards establishing a Sports Science Research Centre in Eldoret.
The revelation came forth during a consultative meeting led by County Secretary Hon. Edwin Bett, who hosted KEMRI’s Board of Directors and management while they toured the proposed site for the ultra-modern research facility, which will eventually house the recently established KEMRI Sports Science Research Centre (KSSRC).
Leading KEMRI’s board of directors was Chair Dr. Abdullahi Ali, accompanied by board member Mr. Luka Chemwolo, Ag. Deputy Director of Legal Services and Corporation Secretary Ms. Margret Rigoro, Principal Human Resource Officer Ms. Joan Lelei, and Mr. Barnabas Kimatoi from the office of the Director General.
The County Executive Committee Member for Lands, Physical Planning, and Housing and Urban Development, Dr. Janeth Kosgei, along with County Chief of Staff Mr. Nicholas Chepkwony and other officials, were also present during the tour of potential construction sites.
This development follows the August 2023 commissioning of The Sports Science Research Centre by the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Ms. Nakhumicha S. Wafula, currently operated from Mezzanine Three of Daima Plaza in Eldoret town.
Speaking during the event, Mr. Edwin Bett, representing Uasin Gishu Governor H.E. Johnathan Bii, pledged full support for KEMRI’s efforts once the land allotment process is complete.
He stressed that the county leadership was also committed to supporting the institute through land provision and complementary efforts with the national government.
Mr. Bett also highlighted Eldoret’s pivotal role in the medical sector in the North Rift and Western region, citing the presence of the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital.
Given Eldoret’s large population from the informal sector, including Langas, Huruma, MailiNne, and Kapsoya, which are vulnerable to disease outbreaks such as cholera and Rift Valleyfever, he emphasized the need for the proposed facility.
In his remarks, Dr. Ali emphasized KEMRI’s regional leadership in human health research and its cooperation with other organizations and institutions. He stressed the significance of Eldoret as a hub for athletics and sports development, necessitating research into issues such as doping.
He went on to assure them that negotiations were ongoing with the National Government regarding budget allocation for the proposed center’s construction.
Dr. Janeth Kosgei led the team on a site visit to identify the best parcel for the project among four public utility parcels.
The launch of KEMRI Eldoret Centre, Sports Science Research Laboratory last year marked a significant milestone for the institute, signaling its foray into sports medicine and research.
The center aims to address athletes’ well-being through comprehensive research studies encompassing nutrition, social and mental health, clinical health aspects, and laboratory services.
This facility aims to become a centralized platform for athlete sample testing and other research, eliminating the need to send samples abroad, thus streamlining the process.
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