KEMRI Unveils Transformative 2023-2028 Strategic Plan at 15th KASH Conference.

Over 800 delegates gathered at the Safari Park Hotel witnessed the grand launch of the KEMRI’s 2023-2028 Strategic Plan during the 15th KEMRI Annual Scientific & Health Conference (15th KASH). The colorful event marked a celebration of progress, collaboration, and the Institute’s unwavering commitment to advancing human health through cutting-edge research and innovation.

The development of this strategic blueprint was an inclusive, consultative, and participatory process, ensuring that a diverse range of voices, expertise, and perspectives contributed to shaping KEMRI’s vision for the future. Building on the successes and lessons learned from the 2018-2023 strategic plan, the new strategy aligns seamlessly with key global, regional, and national development agendas. BY AMOS PESI At the heart of the strategic plan lies a clear and ambitious vision. Ag. Director General, Prof. Elijah Songok, highlighted the transformative potential of the plan, stating, “this strategic plan aligns with KEMRI’s vision to be a global leader in research for human health, as well as our mission to improve the quality of human health through research, innovation, capacity development, and service delivery.” Prof. Songok emphasized that the strategy is underpinned by core values that define KEMRI’s commitment to excellence: partnerships, integrity, inclusivity, creativity & innovation, and excellence. These values form the foundation for pioneering transformative solutions to Kenya’s and the world’s most pressing health challenges.

The 2023-2028 Strategic Plan is structured around six Key Result Areas (KRAs), each supported by strategic objectives designed to maximize impact that includes:

1. Research for Human Health: Strengthening clinical, biomedical, public health, and health systems research to generate evidence-based solutions.

2. Innovation and Product Development: Advancing scientific and technological innovations to drive health breakthroughs.

3. Disease Surveillance and Response: Enhancing disease surveillance systems to proactively safeguard public health.

4. Research Capacity Building: Investing in human capital and fostering expertise in health research to build a resilient scientific workforce.

 5. Financial Sustainability: Strengthening resource mobilization to ensure long-term institutional viability.

6. Institutional Strengthening: Upgrading infrastructure, ICT systems, and governance frameworks to support cutting-edge research.

While the previous strategic plan recorded significant achievements, challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, inadequate funding, staff shortages, and global economic instability posed hurdles. To navigate these challenges, KEMRI is committed to:

• Increasing investment in research and development.

• Strengthening strategic partnerships and collaborations with global and local stakeholders.

 • Modernizing legal frameworks to support research commercialization.

• Upgrading research infrastructure to facilitate cuttingedge innovation.

According to the DG, the success of this strategic plan will hinge on a well-coordinated execution strategy anchored in that include:

• Annual work plans and budgets to guide implementation.

 • A risk management framework to mitigate potential challenges.

• Robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to track progress.

• A resource mobilization strategy to secure sustainable funding.

• Mid-term and end-term reviews to assess and refine impact.

As KEMRI embarks on this new strategic journey, the 2023-2028 Strategic Plan stands as a bold declaration of intent—to revolutionize health research, foster innovation, and drive impactful solutions that will transform lives in Kenya and beyond. With a clear roadmap and strong partnerships, KEMRI is poised to shape the future of healthcare through science, discovery, and excellence.