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BY OBED OBAR
Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), hosted Mr. Suzuki Hironori, Director of the Second Africa Division at the Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and his delegation for a courtesy engagement on 11th March 2026. The visit provided an opportunity to review ongoing collaborations between KEMRI and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), to discuss future initiatives aimed at strengthening health research in Kenya.
Director Corporate Services Mr. Jones Otuke, who represented the Acting Director General, Prof. Elijah Songok, provided a brief overview of KEMRI’s growth and development and highlighted the strategic partnership with JICA. He emphasized KEMRI’s mandate of conducting health research that improves human health and informs evidence-based health policies across the region.
Mr. Otuke noted that the KEMRI-JICA collaboration is a testament to the enduring friendship between Kenya and Japan. He highlighted the impact of JICA’s technical cooperation and Grant Aid Project in supporting critical milestones at KEMRI, including strengthening research capacity, enhancing laboratory infrastructure, and advancing health research initiatives. The partnership has contributed to the development of diagnostic technologies for early disease detection and management, and supported nutrition research aimed at improving population health outcomes.
Eng. John Kanyeki presented an overview of the ongoing projects under the partnership, explaining that KEMRI will construct additional laboratories to enhance research capabilities and support advanced scientific work. This includes the proposed construction of a high-level laboratory facility, scheduled for completion over 18 months with construction expected to start in June, is designed to expand KEMRI’s infrastructure and provide improved facilities for ongoing and future research activities.
The collaboration also facilitates engagement with Japanese institutions, enabling KEMRI to conduct high-quality research, access expert guidance, utilize advanced infrastructure, and accelerate innovation. This support is helping to translate research findings into practical health solutions while strengthening laboratory capacity and promoting locally driven scientific innovation.
