KEMRI Scientists Honoured with Africa’s Highest Scientific Fellowship

Two senior researchers from the Institute have been elected as Fellows of the African Academy of Sciences (AAS), one of the continent’s most distinguished recognitions for scientific excellence.

Their election of Prof. Charles Obonyo and Prof. Matilu Mwau on 24th, November 2025 during the AAS General Assembly in Pretoria, South Africa marks a major milestone for KEMRI and underscores Kenya’s growing influence in shaping Africa’s research and innovation agenda.

The announcement was received with jubilation at the Institute with Ag. Director General Prof. Elijah Songok stating: “I congratulate Prof. Obonyo and Prof. Mwau for this recognition which is a powerful testament to the depth of scientific talent within the Institute and within Kenya. Their work has advanced our understanding of disease, strengthened health systems, and saved countless lives. We are immensely proud of their achievements and of the example they set for the next generation of African scientists.”

Prof. Obonyo, Senior Principal Research Scientist at the Centre for Global Health Research, was fated for his exceptional contributions to tropical medicine. His research group pioneered the repurposing of artemisinin-based combination therapies for schistosomiasis, a breakthrough innovation that is now poised for evaluation in large, multicentre trials and holds the promise to transform treatment and control of the disease.

He’s doctoral work also established the utility of intermittent post-discharge therapy for children recovering from severe malarial anaemia, an intervention later refined in multicentre trials across Kenya, Uganda, and Malawi. The approach is currently under consideration for adoption by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Beyond his research contributions, Prof. Obonyo is a strong advocate for evidence-based decision-making in healthcare. He has co-authored influential systematic reviews, offered specialised training on systematic reviews and meta-analysis, co-founded the Cochrane Kenya Unit, and contributed to WHO Guideline Development Committees and Africa CDC capacity-strengthening initiatives.

Prof. Mwau on the other side, was honoured for outstanding contributions to infectious disease research and diagnostic innovation. A leading figure in HIV research, Prof. Mwau spearheaded pioneering work on HIV self-testing, dramatically expanding access to early diagnosis. His studies on HIV drug resistance have provided critical evidence shaping national treatment policies and improving patient outcomes.

Prof. Mwau has played a central role in strengthening Kenya’s diagnostic capacity, guiding KEMRI’s molecular laboratories toward high standards of accreditation and serving on the Africa CDC Diagnostics Advisory Committee, where he contributed to continental efforts to enhance laboratory systems.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Prof. Mwau’s leadership was instrumental in scaling up Kenya’s testing capacity, repurposing molecular diagnostic platforms for large-scale SARS-CoV-2 testing, and supporting national strategies for pandemic response. His scientific leadership extends to vaccine research and biotechnology, including his contribution to the Kenya Smart Vaccines Production initiative, a foundational step toward local vaccine manufacturing.

In addition to his scientific achievements, Prof. Mwau is a committed mentor, having supervised numerous postgraduate students and authored more than seventy peer-reviewed publications that continue to influence health policy and practice globally.

The election of Prof. Obonyo and Prof. Mwau as Fellows of the African Academy of Sciences reflects not only their individual excellence but also the strength of KEMRI’s research ecosystem and its commitment to scientific leadership on the continent. Their achievements highlight the transformative power of rigorous research, innovation, and mentorship in improving public health in Kenya, Africa, and beyond