KEMRI and Thermo Fisher Scientific Sign MoU to Strengthen Collaboration in Health Research and Innovation

By Stella Njung’e

The Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) has entered into a strategic partnership with global biotechnology leader Thermo Fisher Scientific aimed at strengthening health research, diagnostics, and innovation in Kenya and the wider region.

The collaboration was formalized on Wednesday 8th October 2025 through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at KEMRI Headquarters in Nairobi, by KEMRI’s Ag. Director General (DG), Prof. Elijah Songok, and Vice President & General Manager for the Middle East and Africa at Thermo Fisher Scientific, Mr. Zulfiqar Abbas. The Ceremony was witnessed by teams from both institutions including their local partners Africa Biosystems.

The partnership seeks to expand cooperation in key areas including diagnostic research and capacity building for product manufacturing, knowledge and skills transfer, clinical trials collaboration and support, the establishment of specialized laboratory facilities, and the development and optimization of laboratory inventory and equipment management systems.

Thermo Fisher Scientific is already a familiar name within KEMRI, supplying a wide range of laboratory equipment to the Institute. The company is also a major and consistent sponsor of the KEMRI Annual Scientific and Health (KASH) Conference, underscoring its longstanding commitment to supporting research and innovation.

Speaking during the ceremony, Ag. DG Prof. Songok described Thermo Fisher as a valued collaborator whose partnership has contributed immensely to the Institute’s research success.

“We are excited about the formalization of this partnership, which will open even greater opportunities for scientific innovation and collaboration. Thermo Fisher has been a trusted partner over the years, and this MoU cements our shared vision of advancing health research for national and regional impact,” Prof. Songok said.

Prof. Songok also read remarks on behalf of the Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Health, Hon. Aden Duale, who welcomed the collaboration, noting that such collaborations are vital to strengthening Kenya’s health research ecosystem.

“The Ministry is excited about collaborations of this nature, which complement our efforts to enhance research, innovation, and health systems. I urge both parties to work within the law and ensure this collaboration benefits the people of Kenya,” the CS conveyed.

By leveraging advanced technology and knowledge transfer, the collaboration between KEMRI and Thermo Fisher Scientific is expected to significantly boost the Institute’s ongoing research initiatives including PCRbased diagnostic research and the development of rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs). Joint workshops and validation processes will not only enhance laboratory-level expertise but also accelerate the transformation of local prototypes into market-ready products.

The partnership will also focus on capacity building, targeting the upskilling of KEMRI Graduate School trainees, laboratory personnel, and researchers. Through access to state-of-the-art technologies and global best practices, the collaboration aims to strengthen research capabilities, promote innovation, and ensure long-term sustainability in scientific research.

In addition, the agreement will enhance clinical trials collaboration in Kenya, particularly on key diseases of national and regional interest. It will further support the establishment of specialized facilities such as a Precision Medicine Centre of Excellence and Anti-Doping Laboratories, positioning KEMRI as a leader in advanced medical research.

Ag. Director Research and Development (DRD), Dr. Erick Muok, noted that there had been prior discussions with the company to establish a Genomics Hub at the Institute, and expressed optimism that in lieu of the signing of the MoU, this renewed commitment will help bring that vision to fruition.

“We have had prior discussions on setting up a Genomics Hub at KEMRI, and I am hopeful that through the signing of this MoU we can make that a reality. Advancing genomics research is crucial for understanding disease patterns, developing targeted therapies, and strengthening Kenya’s capacity in precision medicine. By working together, we can Thermo Fisher’s integrate cutting-edge genomic technologies and our expertise into our programs,” Dr. Muok said.

Another key area of focus will be the development and optimization of KEMRI’s laboratory inventory management systems, covering reagents, consumables, and equipment. Streamlining these processes will help reduce stockouts, minimize wastage, improve asset utilization, and enhance operational efficiency across the Institute’s laboratories.

On her part, Ag. Director Scientific Programmes, Partnerships and Grants Management (DSPP&GM), Dr. Zipporah Bukania noted that strengthening infrastructure and laboratory systems will have positive impact.

“I believe that this collaboration will be instrumental in supporting the research ecosystem by helping us create more effective workflows and inventory management systems that can benefit all our scientists across all our centres. We are also looking at frameworks that can help address pricing issues and ensure sustainability in laboratory operations,” Dr. Bukania said.

While making his remarks, VP & GM Thermo Fisher Mr. Abbas reaffirmed the company’s commitment to this collaborative venture

“We are proud to be partnering with KEMRI. I believe that together we will enhance access to world-class laboratory technologies, foster local capacity, and support the development of innovative healthcare solutions including advancing clinical trials, precision medicine, and other joint research areas of mutual interest.” He further emphasized the company’s commitment to regional integration and pledged to support the partnership by bringing on board other strategic partners within Thermo Fisher’s network when the need arises, “We are fully committed to making this partnership work by bringing capabilities that go beyond our organization through our various strategic partners. We look forward to a strong and productive collaboration with KEMRI,” animated Mr. Abbass.

Present from the KEMRI Team were, Ag. Director Legal Services and Corporation Secretary, Ms. Margret Rigoro, Director Corporate Services (DCS), Mr. Jones Otuke, Deputy Director Biotechnology Programme, Dr. Damaris Matoke, Ag, Director Research Capacity Building represented by Ms. Valary Kimutai, Deputy Director Corporate Communications (DDCC) represented by Dr. Sammy Baya, and Officer from Grants Management Ms. Jean Chepngetich.

The Thermo Fisher  delegation included Director of Strategic Partnerships and Business Development, Middle East and Africa Mr. Virasath Khan, Director of Africa Strategy and Transformation Ms. Futhi Madisha, , Marketing and Communications Specialist, Africa, Ms. Mpumi Koza; Senior Manager  Strategic Partnerships and Business Development, Eastern Africa, Mr. Dennis Kileba,;, Channel Manager, Eastern Africa, Mr. George Okoth, Business Development Manager, Eastern Africa, Mr. Job Nyamache, Associate Director Clinical Operations, Clinical Trials/Research Group, Mr. Gilbert Ogetti, Senior Account Manager Digital Science Systems, Mr. Mohamed Khedr, Account Manager, RSD, Mr. Henry Mbote, Sales Manager SDG, Ms. Monal Verani, and Applications Specialist, SDG Mr. Timons Sigo.

The MoU paves way for joint initiatives that will strengthen KEMRI’s research and innovation capacity through technology transfer, local manufacturing, capacity building and the establishment of sustainable research infrastructure. These advancements will not only enhance the Institute’s scientific capabilities but also contribute to Kenya’s broader goal of achieving universal health coverage and positioning the country as a regional leader in biomedical innovation.