KEMRI Advances Community Health & Wellness at the Magical Kenya series in Nandi County

By Veronicah Keter

As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) commitment to building healthier communities, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) led by the Acting Deputy Director, Sports Science Research Centre (SSRC), Dr. Steve Wandiga joined the Magical Series in a two-day high profile Free Medical Camp in Taptengelei, Nandi County on 16th and 17th January, 2026.

The events brought together members of the public, local community leaders and senior government officials providing a platform for culture celebration, interactions and learning. Among the dignitaries in attendance were the Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs H.E Musalia Mudavadi who presided over the Barngetuny Mountains Run. Also present were Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife Hon Rebecca Miano, Cabinet Secretary for Gender, Culture and the Arts Heritage Hon Hanna Wendot Cheptumo, Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service Mr. Felix Koskei, Principal Secretary for Tourism Mr. John Ololtuas and Governor Nandi County Hon Stephen Sang among other dignitaries.

The two-day event was marked by the Taptengelei Cultural Festival an event that entirely celebrated Kalenjin’s culture through music, dance, food, fashion and lifestyle showcases which blended cultural celebration with health education and the Barngetuny Mountain Run. The Run, themed running to promote Education stood out for its emphasis on inclusivity and community participation and brought together people of all ages in a shared celebration of health, unity and wellness. This also served as a platform for athletes to further nurture their talents with the winners of the competition accorded platforms to compete in national championships.

Speaking during the event, the Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs H.E Musalia Mudavadi emphasized the importance of multi-sectoral collaboration in advancing national priorities, noting that initiatives such as the Magical Kenya Series play critical role in promoting cultural heritage while creating platforms for education, innovation, and community empowerment, “this event celebrates not only athletic excellence but also our shared commitment to community wellness, unity and inclusivity across all ages and I urge our communities to embrace these activities that will enhance development in the region,” he said.

In line with the institute’s mandate to support preventive healthcare and early diagnosis, KEMRI conducted medical camps during the events offering free screening services to the members of the public. These included malaria testing, diabetes screening, blood pressure, Cervical (Pap Smear and HPV tests) and Prostate Cancer screening which attracted over 500 members of the public seeking services. The team also provided information on disease prevention, health outcomes and demystified myths surrounding cancer screenings and the importance of early screening.

Speaking during the event, the CEO of the Kenya Tourism Board Ms. June Chepkemei lauded partners for bringing essential services closer to communities through the Magical Kenya Series events. She acknowledged the presence of medical camps noting that the medical outreach and health education efforts demonstrated how multi-sectoral partnership can enhance community wellbeing alongside tourism promotion, “we appreciate our partners in the health sector including KEMRI for going beyond their core mandates to ensure that our communities benefit from such events by accessing vital services closer to home,” she said.

KEMRI’s presence at the events reaffirmed its mandate to support national health goals through research, innovation and strategic partnerships while strengthening community trust and awareness of its work across the country. It also underscored the Institute’s commitment to taking science closer to the people and engaging communities in meaningful dialogue on health matters that directly affect their lives