Who We Are

The Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) is a State Corporation established in Kenya in 1979 through the Science and Technology (Repealed) Act, Cap 250 of the Laws of Kenya operated under the Science Technology and Innovation Act, 2013 as the national body responsible for carrying out research in human health in Kenya. Currently, KEMRI operates under Legal Notice No. 35 of March 2021

KEMRI has grown from its humble beginning over 40 years ago to become a regional leader in human health research.

The Institute currently ranks as one of the leading Centres of excellence in health research both in Africa as well as globally.

Our Mandate

Conduct health, biomedical, and public health research for human health.

Build human health research capacity

Collaborate and partner with other  local and international research bodies and institutions in carrying out human health research and capacity building 

Advice the responsible Ministry in matters pertaining to health research policies and priorities

Undertake scientific and technological innovation as well as in the discovery, transmission and enhancement of knowledge and simulate the intellectual life in the economic, social, cultural, scientific, and technological development.

Establish incubation centres for innovation, and link  research, policy makers, academia and industry in the health products value chain.

To do all such things that are necessary or desirable to carry its functions.

KEMRI is the Medical Research arm of the Government and provides advice to the Ministry on various aspects of healthcare and delivery. National diseases surveillance and rapid response capacity for major disease outbreaks (Cholera, Chikungunya Virus, H1N1 Flu, Yellow Fever, Rift Valley Fever, Ebola, Aflatoxicosis etc).

In line with the constitutional requirements, KEMRI has developed a comprehensive framework under which the Institute has devolved its research activities and services, through seven regional clusters that serves the forty seven counties under the strategic pillar of health research in the context of devolution.

Technical and research support for the Emergency Care of Critically Ill Children (ETAT) guidelines. KEMRI provided Technical Facilitation in development of National Guidelines for Prevention of Cervix, Breast and Prostate cancers. Developed a curriculum and guidelines on biosafety and biosecurity for Health Care Workers in collaboration with MOH. Rationalization and regulation of traditional medicine. Human resource capacity development for research though attachments and in the KEMRI-JKUAT

What Drives Us

Our vision is to be a leading centre of excellence in research for human health
Our mission is to improve human health and quality of life through research, capacity building, innovation and service delivery
The motto of the Institute is “In Search of Better Health”

Our Core Values

We uphold zero tolerance to corruption.

We uphold the philosophy of respect and fairness to all.

We are committed to excellence and highest standards of professionalism.

We uphold purity/sanctity of life.

We are committed to promoting and supporting creativity and innovation.

We value our customers, and we endeavor to be customer focused.