SSC Meets to Discuss “KEMRI in the New Era”

By Stella Njung’e

The Institute’s Scientific Steering Committee (SCC) recently held its annual threeday retreat, bringing together senior scientific leadership and management to chart KEMRI’s course following its new status as a specialized degree-awarding institution.

Convened under the theme “KEMRI in the New Era,” the retreat examined how the Institute’s structures, systems, and strategic priorities can be strengthened to support its expanded mandate while sustaining its longstanding leadership in health research.

The meeting came at a significant moment for KEMRI as it seeks to align its research, training, and innovation functions with its new status following the conferment of its Charter. Discussions focused on strengthening institutional capacity, governance, and academic frameworks to ensure the Institute is well-positioned to deliver on its dual mandate of advancing human health research and training the next generation of scientists and health professionals.

The forum also provided an opportunity for scientific leadership to review existing institutional systems, identify areas requiring realignment, and explore strategies to help KEMRI effectively navigate the opportunities and challenges associated with its change and transformation.

Representing the Acting Vice Chancellor and CEO, Prof. Elijah Songok, the Acting Director for Research Capacity Building, Dr Martin Bundi, noted that the meeting came at a crucial time as the Institute transitions to accommodate its expanded mandate as a degree-awarding institution.

“KEMRI is at a pivotal point in its growth journey. As we embrace our expanded mandate, we must ensure that our research, training, and innovation ecosystems evolve in tandem. This transition presents a unique opportunity to strengthen our capacity, nurture the next generation of scientists, and position the Institute as a center of excellence in health research and higher education,” he said.

Dr Bundi further emphasized the important role the committee will play in steering the Institute during this period of transformation.

“The SCC will play an important role in laying the building blocks that will enable the Institute to thrive as a degree awarding institution while maintaining its leadership in health research, innovation, and capacity building,” Dr. Martin Bundi

The Chair of the SCC and Acting Director for Research and Development, Dr Eric Muok, called on members to embrace the Institute’s transformation while ensuring that scientific excellence remains at the heart of its growth.

“KEMRI is entering a new era. Our success will depend on how effectively we align our structures, people, and systems with our expanded mandate. This transition presents a unique opportunity to strengthen our impact in research, training, and innovation, while preserving the scientific rigor and productivity that have defined the Institute for decades,” he said.

The retreat concluded with a renewed focus on positioning KEMRI for success in its new era as both a research institution and a specialized degree-awarding institution. Through discussions on research, training, innovation, digital transformation, and institutional strengthening, participants reaffirmed the Institute’s commitment to building an institution capable of delivering greater impact in health research, capacity building, and higher education.

The retreat also provided a platform for support directorates to share strategic interventions aimed at strengthening the Institute’s transition. Among the presentations was a session by the Corporate Communications Department, led by Deputy Director, Mr. Davis Mkoji and Principal Corporate Communications Officer, Mr. James Wodera, which highlighted the critical role of strategic communication in advancing KEMRI’s new mandate, enhancing stakeholder engagement strengthening institutional visibility, and safeguarding the Institute’s reputation during this period of transformation. The discussions emphasised the importance of aligning communication strategies with KEMRI’s evolving identity while supporting research dissemination, academic excellence, and organisational growth. Together with other support functions, the presentations underscored the need for robust systems and coordinated institutional support to drive KEMRI’s success in the new era.