The Centre for Clinical Research (CCR) was established in 1985 as a clinical trials unit aimed at supporting the development of drugs and vaccines to combat priority disease conditions in Kenya.

Initially focusing on clinical trials for the treatment of leishmaniasis (kala azar) in children, CCR has been pivotal in advancing research in infectious diseases. The centre has hosted numerous clinical trials that have not only contributed to scientific knowledge but also directly impacted public health interventions in Kenya and beyond.

During its inception years, CCR became a vital site for University of Nairobi medical students, providing hands-on exposure to clinical research methodologies, drug development processes, and patient treatment strategies. This educational outreach underscores CCR’s commitment to
fostering research excellence and knowledge transfer among future healthcare professionals in Kenya.

To improve human health and quality of life through research, capacity building and service delivery

1. Clinical Trials:
   • Drug Safety and Efficacy Trials: Conducting Phase I-IV clinical trials to test the safety and efficacy of new drugs, vaccines, and therapies.
   • Implementation Research: Studying the real-world application of health interventions to improve public health outcomes.
2. Diagnostic and Therapeutic Services:
   • Diagnostic Testing: Providing laboratory services for accurate diagnosis of infectious and non-communicable diseases.
   • Therapeutic Monitoring: Monitoring patient responses to therapies to ensure safety and effectiveness.
3. Capacity Building and Training:
   • Workshops and Seminars: Hosting educational sessions for healthcare professionals and researchers on clinical research methodologies, data analysis, and disease management.
   • Fellowships and Internships: Offering training programs for young scientists and medical students to develop their research skills.
4. Public Health Support:
   • National Health Surveys: Conducting surveys to gather data on health indicators, disease prevalence, and health system performance.
   • Disease Surveillance: Monitoring and reporting on disease outbreaks and trends to inform public health responses.
5. Consultancy Services:
   • Research Consultancy: Providing expertise in designing, implementing, and analyzing clinical research studies.
   • Policy Advisory: Advising government and health organizations on health policy and strategy development based on research evidence.
6. Collaborative Research and Partnerships:
   • Joint Research Projects: Partnering with local and international institutions to conduct collaborative research.
   • Pharmaceutical Partnerships: Working with pharmaceutical companies to test and develop new drug compounds and therapies.
7. Community Engagement:
   • Public Awareness Campaigns: Conducting health education campaigns to raise awareness about disease prevention and health promotion.
   • Community Advisory Boards (CABs): Engaging with community representatives to ensure research is conducted ethically and meets community needs.