KEMRI Bolsters Global Research Collaborations with UK Partners.

The leadership of Wellcome, Oxford University and KEMRI in this historic picture after the signing of the MoU in London recently.

The Institute top leadership last week moved to solidify its global research partnerships by strengthening its strategic partnerships with United Kingdom based academic and research Institutions.

Led by the Chairman of the KEMRI Board of Directors, Dr. Abdullahi Ibrahim Ali and Ag. Director General, Prof. Elijah Songok the Institute was hosted by three research and learning collaborative Institutions with promising prospects not only for KEMRI, but the country at large.

At least two Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on research and learning were penned between Wellcome, the University of Oxford and KEMRI on one hand and with the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) on the other. The Institute also received positive reception and commendation from the University of Liverpool (UoL) with prospects of a broad-based Institutewide MoU already in the works. KEMRI has an ongoing collaborative projects with UoL under the Clean Air Africa Project based through the Centre for Respiratory Diseases Research (CRDR) in Nairobi.

Others who accompanied the two included, the Advisor on Strategy and Execution from the Executive Office of the President Ms. Veska Kangongo, KEMRI Board Director Mr. Christopher Marwa, Acting Director of Legal Services Ms. Margaret Rigoro, and Principal Corporate Communications Officer Mr. James Wodera.

The agreements, signed in London and Liverpool, mark a significant boost for health research and training aimed at addressing pressing health challenges in Kenya and beyond.

In London, KEMRI signed a seven-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Wellcome, a UK-based charitable foundation, and the University of Oxford. The agreement, signed on Thursday evening, March 27, 2025, at Wellcome’s headquarters, will see Wellcome and Oxford commit up to GBP 91 million (KES 15 billion) towards research activities over the next seven years.

The Deal: KEMRI’s Acting Director General Prof. Elijah Songok (C), Dr John-Arne Røttingen, Chief Executive Officer of Wellcome (L), and Prof. Gavin Screaton, Head of Medical Sciences at Oxford University’s Nuffield Department after signing the Research and Learning MoU.

The Chairman of the KEMRI Board of Directors, Dr. Abdullahi Ali, highlighted that this renewed commitment follows the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed on November 27th, 2024, in Nairobi. He expressed gratitude to the President of the Republic of Kenya, H.E. President William Ruto, for his instrumental role in facilitating KEMRI’s acquisition of the grant and ensuring the continuity of the Programme. Dr. Abdullahi also acknowledged Dr. Julia Gillard, the 27th Prime Minister of Australia and current Chair of the Board of Directors of Wellcome Trust, for her unwavering dedication and commitment during the initial negotiations that culminated in the new grant agreement.

“We are delighted to have reached this milestone agreement, which will empower KEMRI to advance healthcare solutions for the betterment of our nation. This partnership signifies a shared vision for improving health outcomes and strengthening research capacity for the benefit of our people,” he said shortly after witnessing the signing ceremony.

Prof. Songok, signed the MoU alongside Dr. JohnArne Røttingen, Chief Executive Officer of Wellcome, and Prof. Gavin Screaton, Head of Medical Sciences at Oxford’s Nuffield Department.Prof. Songok emphasized the strategic importance of the KEMRI-Wellcome-Oxford Programme, which contributes over 30 percent of KEMRI’s research output “The Programme remains one of KEMRI’s flagship research and training initiatives, continuously making impactful contributions to health research and capacity building,” he stated.

*Chairman of the KEMRI Board of Directors, Dr. Abdullahi Ali presents a souvenir to the Chief Executive Officer of Wellcome, Dr John-Arne Røttingen flanked by Ag. Director General Prof. Elijah Songok.*

Ag. Director General Prof. Elijah Songok in a picture with Prof. Richard Cornall, Head of Department, Nuffield Department of Medicine, Oxford University (L) and Mr. Ed Gibbs, Chief Operating Officer after gifting them with Maasai Shukas.

Shortly after the signing ceremony, Dr. Røttingen highlighted Wellcome’s focus on supporting science to tackle urgent global health issues such as mental health, climate change, and infectious diseases. “We are proud of what our collaboration has achieved over the years and are excited to continue contributing towards better health outcomes in the years to come,” he noted.

While echoing the Wellcome CEO’s remarks, Prof. Screaton reiterated that Oxford’s commitment to fostering equitable research collaborations worldwide, particularly with researchers across Africa. “We are dedicated to advancing learning and research that positively impacts millions of lives globally,” he said.

From Wellcome, the delegation comprised Dr. Jimmy Volmink, Executive Director, Equity; Chris Bird, Chief Legal Officer; Dr. Julia Kemp, Head of Major International Programmes; and Yolisa Nalule, Senior Manager, Major International Programmes. Oxford University was represented by Prof. Susan Dunachie, Director of the Nuffield Department of Medicine Centre for Global Health Research; Prof. Chris Price, Divisional Registrar and Chief Operating Officer, Medical Sciences Division; and Mr. Ed Gibbs, Chief Operating Officer, Nuffield Department of Medicine.

*The visiting KEMRI Delegation with their Nuffield Department of Medicine, Oxford University hosts shortly after the KEMRI Oxford collaborative symposium.*

*Leaders (L-R): Dr. Abdullahi Ali (KEMRI), Prof. Kevin Mash (Oxford), Prof. Julie Kemp (Wellcome), Ms. Veska Kangongo (OP, GoK), Prof. Trudie Lang (Oxford) and Mr. Christopher Marwa (KEMRI).*

Earlier, on Tuesday, 25th, March 2025, in Liverpool, the Institute had reaffirmed its long-standing collaboration by renewing a five-year MoU with LSTM. The agreement will see LSTM commit up to 5.5 Million USD per year towards research activities. The signing ceremony, held at LSTM’s historic Pembroke House in Liverpool, was presided over by Prof. Songok and LSTM’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. David Lalloo. The Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Richard Charles Kemp and the Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Merseyside, Dr. Ruth Hussey also witnessed the historic five year-MoU signing ceremony.

The Lord Mayor of Liverpool and the Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Merseyside (First and Second Left) and Prof. Prof Feiko terKuile and the Chairman of KEMRI Board of Directors, Dr. Abdullahi Ali pose with Vice-Chancellor, Prof. David Lalloo and Prof. Elijah Songok after signing the MoU with LSTM.

LSTM’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. David Lalloo and Prof. Elijah Songok gifting each other. They were flanked by the Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Merseyside and the Chairman of the KEMRI Board of Directors following the historic visit.

The engagement with UoL held on Monday, 24th, March 2025, was aimed at strengthening research and education collaborations. This follow-up meeting came a year after the UoL Senior Leadership Team visited Kenya to assess ongoing UoL research projects in the country and identify synergies with KEMRI’s Board of Directors and Graduate School of Health Sciences.

During this visit, KEMRI’s delegation was introduced to the research excellence being undertaken by a distinguished academic team from UoL, including Prof. Daniel Pope, Prof. Reecha Sofat, Prof. Benedict Michael, Prof. Martin O’Flaherty, and Prof. Katie Atkinson. Discussions revolved around expanding research collaborations, mutual funding, and aligning existing research efforts with government clean energy policies, community health promotion, and Universal Health Coverage. The teams also agreed to initiate joint academic programs and fundraising activities to strengthen their partnership.

The University of Liverpool delegation, led by Vice Chancellor Prof. Tim Jones, included Prof. Louise Kenny, Prof. Richard Black, Prof. Claire Eyers, Prof. Francine Watkins, Ms. Cath McNamara, Prof. Sally Sheard, Prof. Paula Williamson, Prof. Kerry Woolfall, Prof. Aras Kadioglu, Prof. Andy Morse, Mr. John Spafford, and Dr. Jonny Higham.

Dr. Abdullahi Ali, Prof. Songok, Board of Director, Christopher Marwa and LSTM’s Prof. Prof Feiko terKuile all ears as the Head of Vector Biology Department, Prof. Tony Nolan explains a point during the tour of insectaries and on vector biology research facilities at LSTM.

*Experts at the Centre for Snakebite Research and Intervention Herpetarium at LSTM Headquarters, extract venom from a poisonous snake for research purpose.*

Later while reflecting on the successful engagement with KEMRI, which aligns with the University’s strategic goal of expanding international partnerships under the Liverpool 2031 vision, the VC remarked: “We commenced our collaboration on Monday evening with a dinner involving colleagues from the Kenyan Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) and the University, following an intensive, full-day summit dedicated to exploring deeper avenues of cooperation in global health research. Under the leadership of Prof. Dan Pope, Prof. of Global Public Health and Epidemiology, the summit addressed critical areas such as infectious diseases, environmental health, cardiovascular science, and data-driven innovation, with valuable contributions from researchers across both institutions. As one of Africa’s leading medical research organisations, KEMRI remains a pivotal partner in our quest for impactful, globally relevant research that drives transformative health solutions.”

Prof. Elijah Songok reflected on the collaborations, stating: “As we embark on this renewed journey with Wellcome, the University of Oxford, LSTM, and the University of Liverpool, we are reaffirming our commitment to cutting-edge research and innovative solutions that address some of the most pressing health challenges of our time. This partnership is not just an investment in research; it’s an investment in healthier, more resilient communities across Kenya and beyond.”

Making her remarks, an Advisor on Strategy and Execution, at the Executive Office of the President Ms. Veska Kangogo stated, “Our commitment to achieving Universal Health Coverage is anchored on empowering the 107,000 Community Health Workers who serve as the backbone of primary healthcare across Kenya. This partnership not only strengthens their capacity to deliver essential services but also opens new avenues for researchers to innovate and enhance health outcomes. Together, we are building a resilient, research-driven healthcare system that leaves no one behind.”