KEMRI Hosts Joint Command and Staff College Delegation to Explore Health and National Security Collaboration

BY GLADYS MATHENGE

A high-level delegation from the Joint Command and Staff College (JCSC) visited the Institute’s headquarters on 12th March 2026 to explore strategic collaborations between health research and national security.

The delegation, led by Col. B. Y. Kiprop, was received by Prof. Wallace Bulimo, Acting Deputy Director of the Department of Epidemiology, Statistics, and Informatics (DESI), who represented the Acting Director General, Prof. Elijah Songok. This engagement marks a significant step toward aligning scientific research with broader national interests, focusing on how health informatics and epidemiological data can strengthen institutional synergy.

This meeting underscored a steadfast commitment to fostering multidisciplinary partnerships that bridge the gap between public health systems and national security. The discussions prioritized several strategic pillars of cooperation, most notably emergency preparedness, Additionally, both institutions explored the potential for personnel exchange and joint capacity development to enhance regional stability and resilience.

Speaking during the meeting, Prof. Bulimo highlighted the Institute’s pivotal role in advancing biomedical research in Kenya and across the region while welcoming the delegation to the Institute.

“On behalf of the Ag. Director General, I warmly welcome you all to KEMRI. We appreciate this opportunity to engage and share insights on the Institute’s work in biomedical research, innovation, and capacity development. Such engagements are critical in fostering strategic partnerships and exploring collaborative avenues that strengthen national systems, enhance preparedness, and ultimately contribute to improving human health,” said Prof. Wallace Bulimo.

According to Col. Kiprop, the visit provided valuable insights for the students, particularly on KEMRI’s role in health research, development and training in areas such as traditional medicine, drug development, virology, and biotechnology.

“This engagement is pivotal to our goal of strengthening industrial capacity and defense partnerships. It is encouraging to see how closely KEMRI’s mission aligns with our national security frameworks, and resonates strongly with this year’s study theme, ‘Opportunities for Regional Security through National Development and Technological Innovation,” Col. Kiprop remarked.

The visit concluded with a comprehensive tour of selected research facilities, including the Centre for Virus Research (CVR) and the Innovation and Technology Transfer Department (ITTD). During the tour, the delegation gained first-hand insight into KEMRI’s cutting-edge work in disease surveillance, diagnostics, biotechnology, and innovation.

The JCSC delegation commended KEMRI researchers for their work and welcomed opportunities for collaboration that could enhance national health preparedness and contribute to regional stability. As the meeting concluded, both institutions reaffirmed their commitment to building a mutually beneficial partnership that advances Kenya’s development agenda while strengthening the intersection between health and security.