KEMRI Hosts Ugandan Team for Knowledge and Grants Management Exchange

By Gideon Kirui and Melanie Rono

The Institute recently hosted a delegation from Uganda’s Centre for Rapid Evidence Synthesis (ACRES) for a two-day learning and exchange visit focused on knowledge management, evidence synthesis, and grants administration.

The workshop held at KEMRI Headquarters from 6th to 7th November 2025, the engagement brought together experts from both institutions to share experiences, strengthen management processes, and explore new avenues for collaboration.

The four-member ACRES delegation, led by Dr. Ismael Kawooya, comprised technical and administrative officers who took part in interactive sessions with their Kenyan counterparts led by Acting Deputy Director, Knowledge Management and Resource Development (KM&RD), Ms. Lilian Mayieka. The sessions were coordinated by, Ms. Barbara Miheso from KM &RD department, in close partnership with the Institute’s Grants Management Office.

The exchange provided a valuable platform for both teams to compare notes on best practices and innovations aimed at enhancing research efficiency and impact across the region.

In her opening remarks, Ms. Mayieka set the tone for the discussions by outlining KEMRI’s institutional framework, highlighting the department’s mandate, achievements, ongoing initiatives, and strategic priorities. Her presentation was complemented by Ms. Miheso, who underscored the contribution of Cochrane Reviews in shaping national, regional, and global health guidelines.

“We want to ensure greater regional representation and stronger partnerships. Working with ACRES presents a valuable opportunity, as you are already doing an excellent job in this space,” she remarked.

The meeting also featured Acting Deputy Director for Grants Management, Mr. Naftaly Ndungu, who shared insights into KEMRI’s grant management systems and institutional strengthening efforts.

Presenting an overview of ACRES, Dr. Kawooya commended KEMRI as a reputable institution from which ACRES could learn and exchange ideas. He explained that ACRES’ operations are driven by research demand creation, an approach that stimulates the use of research-based evidence among policymakers. The Centre serves as a knowledge broker, bridging the gap between researchers and decision-makers by tailoring support to policymakers’ needs.

KEMRI participants expressed admiration for ACRES’s use of modern technology, particularly the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and system automation to centralize information. They also appreciated ACRES’s strong engagement with policymakers and communities, expressing interest in learning more about its approaches to research demand creation and stakeholder engagement.

A parallel session involving both institutions’ grants management teams offered another opportunity for learning and benchmarking. ACRES representatives described the engagement as a valuable experience and expressed optimism that this exchange marks the beginning of continued collaboration, especially as they work toward developing a One-Stop Shop for their grants management system.