Advancing Research Excellence: Highlights and Aspirations of SSC

The KEMRI Scientific Steering Committee (SSC), retreated to take stock of the various scientific progress as well as focus on the strategic scientific direction going forward. This was done during a three day retreat at a Nairobi hotel.

Over the past year, the committee has achieved significant milestones which received the approval from the KEMRI Board of Directors. These accomplishments encompass the establishment of a dedicated mental health department within the Centre for Clinical Research (CCR) complete with a budget line. Additionally, the board has approved budget allocations for the cancer registry and the establishment of a nutrition department. Noteworthy approvals include the biobanking and sample repository strategy, slated for financing in the fiscal year 2024-2025, as well as the endorsement of a bioequivalence facility for the sports fund. Furthermore, the 14th KASH conference achieved resounding success, marking another triumph for the committee.

Included in its success cheststock is the successful lobbying for the inclusion of the scientific Senate in the new Institutional HR instruments and securing an approval and budget allocation for the response outbreak framework. Furthermore, a Product Development Committee has been established to chart out a strategic roadmap for to forsee product development from inception to production and roll out.

“As the KEMRI scientific leadership community, we have a duty to put in the building blocks to make our Institute a premier research facility that attracts and retains the best talent and has a reputation for delivery of research that advances health for the people of Kenya, I am pleased by the progress we have made
and look forward to how much more we can achieve,” stated Prof. Nelly Mugo.

On the second day, the committee was joined by the members of the KEMRI Board of Director’s Scientific
Research Innovation Committee (SRIC) led by its chairman, Mr. Luka Chemwolo and members, Dr. Damaris Maweu and Dr. Rebecca Kiptui, who reaffirmed their commitment to bolstering the Institute’s research endeavours.

“On behalf of the Chair and myself as the SRIC Chair, I assure you that we will continue to support scientific endeavours and meet your needs across all fronts, by providing you with the necessary tools to ensure we achieve set research outputs especially our innovations towards ensuring the Institute’s sustainability,” he declared.

These sentiments were echoed by Ag. Director General, Prof. Elijah Songok during his closing remarks. He further highlighted the need to support the Commercial Enterprise Department, “With the current austerity measures, we need to be more proactive in innovation and product development, we need to create a niche for ourselves and the Institute to ensure we become self-sustaining and this is why, I implore you as the SSC to support the Commercial Enterprise Department, as you interact with the County Governments and various partners inform them of our products and services so as to secure the Institute’s future,” animated Prof. Songok.

The retreat was marked with rich discussions not only on fostering a unified and conducive scientific work
environment but also on enhancing career development and capacity building for young research scientists through leadership trainings.

The committee has an ambitious plan to achieve over the next year including the centralization of laboratory services
in the Institute, establish a clinical trials department, finalize on the appraisal tool for scientists to help steer career development and draft a data policy in compliance with the data act among others.