Influential Japanese legislators Pledge Continued Collaboration

By Lisper Mokaya

Team from the influential Japanese highest legislative body, the House of Councillors led by Ms. Ikuina Akiko led a high-level delegation on a visit to the Institute’s Central Laboratory Complex at the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) Headquarters, on Thursday 8th January 2026.

The inaugural visit to the Institute by the delegation that included legislators, Mr. Aoshima Kenta and Mr. Otsu Tsutomu, and accompanied by the Ambassador of Japan to Kenya, H.E. Mr. Matsuura Hiroshi, was aimed at assessing the status and impact of health research projects supported by the Government and people of Japan in Kenya and strengthening the existing collaborative bond between the two Nations. The Chief Representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in Kenya, Mr. Shinkawa Makoto was also present during this historic visited.

The delegation was received by KEMRI’s Acting Director General, Prof. Elijah Songok, alongside members of the Institute’s senior leadership. The visit provided a platform for strategic engagement on ongoing and completed JICA-funded collaborative research initiatives, while also exploring opportunities to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in health research, innovation, and capacity building.

Members of the KEMRI–JICA Alumni Association also welcomed the Japanese leaders and their delegation, sharing reflections on their training and professional experiences in Japan and underscoring the enduring value of the partnership.

Speaking during the engagement, Prof. Songok reaffirmed KEMRI’s appreciation for Japan’s long-standing support to Kenya’s health research ecosystem.

“The partnership between KEMRI and the Government of Japan, through JICA, has been instrumental in advancing scientific excellence, infrastructure development, and human resource capacity at the Institute. These collaborations continue to yield tangible outcomes that directly contribute to improved public health in Kenya and the region. We are deeply grateful for the development support extended by the Government of Japan,” said Prof. Songok.

Prof. Songok, an alumnus of Japan’s Kanazawa University and Patron of the KEMRI–JICA Alumni Association, also noted the personal significance of the engagement, citing his own academic and professional ties to Japan.

“As a former beneficiary of training in Japan, this partnership is particularly meaningful to me. It is a testament to the enduring people-to-people and institutional linkages that underpin our cooperation,” he added.

In her remarks, Ms. Ikuina Akiko emphasized Japan’s commitment to supporting sustainable and impactful health research collaborations with Kenya.

“Japan values its partnership with Kenya, particularly through institutions such as KEMRI that play a critical role in safeguarding public health. Our visit seeks to better understand the progress of JICA-supported projects and to reaffirm our commitment to continued cooperation in research, innovation, and capacity development,” she said.

She praised KEMRI’s ability to translate Japanese support into globally competitive research outputs, noting that such work is critical in addressing emerging health challenges. “The synergy between our two nations is a model for international cooperation,” Ms. Ikuina added, while also commending Kenyan scientists for their dedication and professionalism in delivering meaningful results.

Representing the KEMRI–JICA Alumni, Ms. Joanne Hassan highlighted the far-reaching impact of training received in Japan. “The training we received in Japan went beyond technical skills; it instilled a culture of precision and innovation. Today, we are applying those methodologies to tackle emerging health threats, ensuring that the KEMRI–Japan legacy continues to save lives,” she said.

The visit highlighted the strategic importance Japan places on its collaboration with KEMRI and on strengthening health research partnerships in Africa. The delegation was taken for a conducted toured of selected KEMRI research facilities, and briefed on ongoing projects, innovations, and the impact of JICA-funded infrastructure and capacitybuilding initiatives.

Members of Senior Management accompanying Prof Songok during the visit were ; Director Corporate Services Mr. Jones Otuke, Acting Director Research and Development Dr. Erick Muok, Acting Director Strategy and Compliance Mr. Edwin Bett, Acting Director Research and  Capacity Building Dr. Martin Bundi,  Acting Director Scientific Programmes, Partnerships and Grants Management Dr. Zipporah Bukania, Deputy Director Supply Chain Management Dr. Kalu Kitaba, Acting Deputy Director Centre for Traditional Medicine and Drug Research (CTMDR), Dr. Jeremiah Gathirwa,  Deputy Director Centre for Virus Research (CVR), Dr. Samoel Khamadi, Deputy Director Corporate Communications, Mr. Davis Mkoji, Deputy Director Human Resource Management, Mr. Ben Sifuna, Mr. John  Kanyeki representing Deputy Director Engineering and Maintenance, Barnabas Kimatoi from the Director General’s Office and Acting Deputy Director Finance and Accounts, Mr. Gabriel Kamau  among others.