KEMRI Hosts Biovax Leadership to Realign Priorities in National Vaccine Development

BY GLADYS MATHENGE

In a continued commitment to advancing Kenya’s vaccine development capacity, the Institute welcomed a high-level delegation from the Kenya Biovax Institute, led by the newly appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr. Wesley Rono, for discussions focused on realigning shared priorities in vaccine development and strengthening Kenya’s position in local biomanufacturing.

The visit provided Dr. Rono with an opportunity to familiarize himself with the existing collaboration framework between Biovax and KEMRI, as well as to review the progress made under their current agreements.

In his opening remarks, he expressed his sincere gratitude for visiting KEMRI, emphasizing the institute’s pivotal role as a partner in advancing Kenya’s health innovations. “Our goal is to build a truly end-to-end vaccine ecosystem for Kenya, one where our ideas, our science, and our technologies move seamlessly from the lab to the people who need them. We already have ongoing trainings that strengthen our capacity, especially in the teams driving product development, and we are intentionally working to fill the long-standing gap in local vaccine manufacturing. Our vision is to deliver homegrown products that can stand confidently on the global stage,” Dr. Rono stated.

During the discussions, the teams reflected on the long term vision to build a fully integrated, end-to-end vaccine manufacturing ecosystem in Kenya, one capable of taking products from research and development all the way to commercialization. 

Biovax General Manager, Commercial Services, Dr. Cecilia Wanjala, highlighted the institute’s cutting edge work in product development, genetic materials research, and emerging technologies, including rapid vaccine recognition systems that pave the way for mRNA innovation. “We are committed to strengthening technical capacity and ensuring a seamless pipeline from scientific discovery to market-ready products. Equally important is the commercialization of these innovations, and we are proud to work hand in hand with KEMRI to deliver locally developed vaccines that can make a real impact on the health of our communities and beyond.” She emphasized.

Discussions also highlighted progress in antimicrobial resistance technology transfer, training of upcoming vaccine scientists, and the evolving role of both institutions in ensuring Kenya can advance products that are closer to the market.

In his contribution, Head of ITTD, Dr. James Kimotho, highlighted the institute’s efforts to advance vaccine manufacturing technologies. He stated, “With state of-the-art equipment, resources and highly skilled experts, we are able to develop vaccines from the laboratory all the way to market-ready products. This will reinforce Kenya’s capacity to deliver homegrown solutions that could go globally too.”

While making his remarks, Ag. Director General, Prof. Elijah Songok, reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to the partnership, saying, “Through our collaboration with Biovax, we are building the capacity of our scientists, training the experts who will develop and deliver vaccines, and ensuring that Kenya can sustain its own vaccine innovation. We are committed to continuing this partnership with Biovax to achieve even greater impact for our nation’s health future.” He reaffirmed.

The meeting closed with a renewed commitment to strengthen the operational and scientific pathways that bind the two institutions. With Dr. Wesley Rono at the helm of Biovax and KEMRI’s leadership reaffirming its dedication to research excellence, the courtesy visit marked an important step in consolidating Kenya’s ambitions for a sustainable, locally anchored vaccine manufacturing capability.