To improve human health and quality of life through research, capacity building, innovation and service delivery.
To be a Global Leader in Research for Human Health.
"in search of better health"
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Research Institute (KEMRI) is a State Corporation established in Kenya in 1979 through the Science and Technology (Repealed) Act, Cap 250 of the Laws of Kenya operated under the Science Technology and Innovation Act, 2013 as the national body responsible for carrying out research in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 Mandates
Build human health research capacity
Advice the responsible Ministry in matters pertaining to health research policies and priorities
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 mission is to improve the quality of human health through research, innovation, capacity development and
service delivery