ISRAEL SEEKS FUTURE COLLABORATIONS WITH KEMRI

Israel is keen to work with KEMRI to advance Kenya’s bio-medical research capacity, its ambassador to Kenya, H.E. Michael Lotem has said. He noted, during an official visit to KEMRI on Tuesday, 5th, July 2022 that very little collaboration exists between KEMRI and bio-medical research stakeholders in Israel which needs to change.

He concurred with the KEMRI leadership that included, KEMRI Board of Directors, Dr. Daniel Mbinda and Acting. Director General, Prof. Sam Kariuki that Israel’s desire is to establish long-term partnerships that would enhance capacity building in Research and Development (R&D).

“I would love to push any research agenda on specific areas between our teams and yours to expand the potential areas of research collaboration,”the envoy stated.

He was accompanied by Ms. Joanna Wanjiku, Head of Trade & Business Development at Israel Embassy, Mr. Arnon Arbel from the country’s Ministry of Economy & Industry, and a representative from the Private Sector, Mr. Yaron Faracli from Elsmed Kenya.

KEMRI’s delegation included, Director of Scientifs Programmes, Partnerships and Grants Management, Dr. Kizito Lubano , Deputy Director, in charge of the Center for Traditional Medicines and Drugs Research, Dr. Festus Tolo and senior research scientists, Dr. Geoffrey Mutuma, Ms. Nancy Kinyatta and Ms. Milka Mwangi. Although, individual scientists have linkages with their Israel counterparts, there is no formal engagement between KEMRI and any of Israel research Institution or organization.

It is for this reason that Mr. Lotem is eager to engage learn with KEMRI on mutual areas of potential collaborations.
On his part, Prof. Kariuki expressed willingness and readiness for the Institute to exploit any available collaborative opportunities for the benefit of both countries.