KEMRI and KDF Reinforce Strategic Collaboration on Health Security

In a major step towards advancing national health security, the KEMRI and the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening research capacity and operational preparedness through a structured, long-term collaboration. KEMRI delegation led by Ag. Director General, Prof. Elijah Songok, alongside the Deputy Director Department of Statistics and Epidemiology (DESI) Prof. Wallace Bulimo, paid a visit to KDF’s Director of Medical Services (DMS), Major General Dr. George Ng’ang’a, on 8th July,2025, at the Defence Headquarters in Nairobi.

The high-level engagement centered on the implementation of an existing Memorandum of Understanding, aimed at creating a robust, multisectoral health security research framework. This initiative is driven by the urgent need to respond to an increasingly complex array of public health threats, including emerging infectious diseases, drug resistance, viral haemorrhagic fevers, malaria, antimicrobial resistance, Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), bioterrorism risks, and the growing impact of climate-related events.

In his opening remarks, Major General Dr. Ng’ang’a emphasized the critical challenges facing Kenya’s health systems and national security landscape. “Kenya faces an increasing range of complex threats from emerging diseases, bioterrorism, extreme weather events, compounded by underutilized research infrastructure, fragmented collaboration, and weak integration of bio surveillance and emergency response mechanisms. To adequately respond to these realities, we need structured, multidisciplinary approaches that bring together the strengths of our health and security institutions.” He noted.

Speaking during the visit, Prof. Elijah Songok affirmed KEMRI’s commitment to strengthening the partnership with KDF. “Our collaboration with KDF is not just strategic, but also essential. Health security is national security, and together, we can generate evidence that informs policy, strengthens emergency preparedness, and ultimately protects human health,” he stated.

In response to these challenges, the MOU between KEMRI and KDF outlines a transformative vision, that will strengthen Kenya’s health security research ecosystem. By leveraging combined strengths, the institutions aim to foster operational readiness, enhance scientific research capabilities, and promote the development of medical countermeasures.

Echoing the same sentiment, Prof. Wallace Bulimo, emphasized the value of joint scientific and operational efforts. “The intersection of military readiness and scientific research is where some of the most impactful public health interventions can emerge. This collaboration bridges the gap between science and service, offering a unique opportunity to accelerate innovation and deliver real-time health solutions, especially in remote or high-risk areas where the need is greatest,” he remarked.

The two institutions reaffirmed their strong commitment to advancing collaborative research, knowledge exchange, and shared use of infrastructure to enhance Kenya’s ability to prevent, detect, and respond to public health threats. Through deliberate joint planning and coordinated implementation of agreed work plan activities, the KEMRI – KDF collaboration aims to strengthen disease surveillance, diagnostic capacity, and research excellence for human health.