KEMRI, KAIST Forge Landmark Kenya–Korea Scientific Partnership

Talks are underway between the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), the Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology (KAIST), and the Kenya Advanced Institute of Science & Technology (Kenya-AIST) to develop a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will open the door for collaboration in biomanufacturing, vaccine development, technology transfer, and capacity building.

It is against this backdrop that a high level delegation from KAIST, Daejeon, led by the Vice President of the International Office, Graduate School of Science & Technology Policy, Prof. So Young Kim, paid a visit to KEMRI Headquarters on 8th August 2025.  The team paid a courtesy call on KEMRI’s Acting. Director General, Prof. Elijah Songok to advance discussions on the proposed partnership.

Prof. Songok described the MOU as a great milestone  for both Kenya and Korea noting that it would be one of the first major collaborative ventures between the two countries in the scientific field. “We are happy to be involved in this partnership and look forward to the finalization of the MoU. We are genuinely excited about the possibilities this collaboration will unlock and look forward to its finalization,” he said.

Sharing the same enthusiasm Prof. So Young Kim noted that the partnership would focus strongly on nurturing talent.  “We are truly delighted to join hands with KEMRI in what will be one of the first major Kenya–Korea collaborations in science. Our shared commitment to capacity building means that together we will empower the next generation of scientists and innovators,” she said.

 The discussions also explored other potential areas of collaboration and partnership. Afterwards, the KAIST team toured KEMRI’s Production Unit, the Pan–African Hub, and the Centre for Traditional Medicine and Drug Development Research (CTMDR)

This visit builds on earlier engagements between Prof. Songok and Prof. Lee Kangho of KAIST, held on the sidelines of the International Vaccine Institute (IVI) Global Council meeting in May 2025.

The KEMRI delegation present included Acting Director Research and Development Dr. Eric Muok, Research scientists Dr. Ernest Wandera, Ms. Lilian Mayieka, Dr. Hellen Barsosio and Ms. Jean Chengetich representing the office of the Director Scientific Programmes, Partnerships and Grants Management (DSPPGM).