Chinese Vaccine Giant Explores Strategic R&D Partnership with KEMRI

By Lisper Mokaya

A high-level delegation from China’s AIM Vaccine Co. Limited, a leading global vaccine manufacturer, paid a courtesy call on the Acting Director General, KEMRI Prof. Elijah Songok, to explore opportunities for collaboration in research and development, technology transfer, and strengthening local vaccine manufacturing capacity.

The delegation, led by AIM Vaccine Founder, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr. Yan Zhou discussed building sustainable partnerships to advance vaccine innovation and bolster Kenya’s capacity to respond to public health challenges. Mr. Zhou expressed confidence in the potential partnership, saying, “We see Kenya as a critical partner in advancing research and scientific innovation in Africa, and KEMRI’s expertise provides a strong foundation for future cooperation.”

Accompanying Mr. Zhou were senior AIM executives, including Mr. Jia Shaojun (President), Ms. Wenjuan Zhou (Vice President), Ms. Chloe Deng Wei (Director), and Ms. Nicole Wan Li (International Business Manager). Also present were AIM’s local partners, Livelite Ltd, represented by CEO, Mr. Michael Asola, alongside international associates, Mr. George Hu (VP, China and Southeast Asia), Louis Antoniu (VP Global Business Development – USA), Tom Warenga (Business Development), and Anthony Ochieng (Director of Partnerships).

KEMRI’s team included Ag. Director of Research and Development, Dr. Erick Muok, Head of the Innovation and Technology Transfer Division, Dr. James Kimotho, Research Scientists, Mr. Francis Kimani and Dr. Ernest Wandera, Principal Corporate Communications Officer, Mr. James Wodera, Mr. Barnabas Kimatoi from the Director General’s Office and Mr. Brian Orwa, from the KEMRI Graduate School.

Prof. Songok welcomed the partnership prospects, reaffirming KEMRI’s role in advancing health innovation. “KEMRI remains committed to fostering collaborations that build local capabilities and contribute to Kenya’s health priorities, including vaccine research and development,” he said.

 A sentiment was shared by the CEO of Livelite Ltd, Mr. Asola who described the meeting as a milestone toward strengthening the country’s and region’s health innovation ecosystem. “This dialogue is a step in the right direction toward positioning Kenya as a hub for scientific advancement and sustainable health solutions,” he noted.

Before visiting KEMRI, the AIM delegation met with Principal Secretary in the State Department for Medical Services, Ministry of Health, Dr. Ouma Oluga, where they held preliminary discussions on Kenya’s vaccine manufacturing priorities.

The Nairobi visit sets the stage for continued dialogue aimed at forging impactful scientific cooperation between KEMRI, AIM Vaccine Co. Ltd, and local partners, with a shared vision of advancing research and sustainable health solutions for Kenya and the wider African region.