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KEMRI Gears Up for a Historic 15th KEMRI Annual Scientific and Health Conference (KASH).
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February 5, 2025

KEMRI-JICA TCP Research concludes aweek long Capacity Building Workshop.

Photograph of the facilitators, Participants from both the OMICS and RMA teams.

KEMRI-JICA Technical Cooperation Project (TCP) recently wrapped up a transformative six day Capacity Building Workshop held in Mombasa, aimed at addressing the growing need for enhanced collaboration and capacity building within the Institute. The workshop focused on strengthening partnerships between researchers and research administrators (RAs) so as to ensure they achieve shared institutional goals, hence, promoting a unified approach in research operations.

 The workshop brought together diverse group of participants, including researchers, research administrators (RAs), and representatives from KEMRI headquarters, Kwale, and Mtwapa stations, as well as JICA. Also joining the workshop were external partners including Mr. Dennis A. from keNUP Africa Foundation. Over the course of six days participants of the workshop engaged in presentations, discussions, and field visits including with a focus on exploring innovative tools and sustainable strategies for institutional growth.

The workshop commenced with opening remarks from Chief Advisor for the KEMRI-JICA TCP Project Mr. Watanabe Kozo, , and the Project Director Dr. Amukoye. They both emphasized the project’s importance and the need for sustainability. The Project Manager, Dr. Muuo, further elaborated objectives of the workshop, stressing the significance of trust-building, synergy, and adopting innovative tools for long-term institutional growth.

Prof. Muuo Nzou
TCP Director, Dr. Evans Amukoye.

 A central theme throughout the workshop was the need for enhanced collaboration between researchers and RAs. Discussions revolved around on how RAs can support researchers by managing administrative tasks, allowing scientists to focus on research. At the same time, were encouraged to appreciate invaluable role RAs’ play in translating scientific outputs into actionable strategies.

 Deputy Director for Human Resources Mr. Ben Sifuna, emphasized the importance of capacity building in the Institute’s HR strategy. He underscored the institution’s commitment to equipping both researchers and RAs with skills, knowledge, and tools to enhance performance, fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation.

Mr. Dennis A. Gerdts from the keNUP Africa Foundation delivered an insightful presentation on the role of partnerships in advancing research and innovation in Africa. He highlighted sustainable funding models and the need for African institutions to take ownership of their research agendas through collaboration, capacity building, and investment in local research.

Deputy Director for Human Resources Management, (HRM) Mr. Ben Sifuna.
Mr. Dennis A. Gerdts, keNUP Africa Foundation

One of the moments that stood out during the workshop was the introduction of Learning Management System (LMS), by Dr. Tamaki which is designed in ensuring the sustainability of the project, as well as Virtual Reality (VR) technology as a tool for lab training, simulations, and biosafety protocols. Participants experienced VR firsthand through an interactive demonstration led by Mr. David Kamau and Mr. Kelvin Tuva, showcasing its potential to enhance training and operational efficiency.

Field visits to KEMRI’s Mtwapa and Kwale stations offered participants the opportunity to learn about the specific workflows, challenges, and opportunities at these stations. The visits underscored the importance of incorporating perspectives from different stations to enrich KEMRI’s broader capacity-building strategy, ensuring that all areas of the organization benefit from the collaborative approach being fostered.

The workshop concluded with a promise that to ensure sustainability, the following steps will be prioritized, Implementation of Collaborative Strategies – Capacity Building Programs –Field Visit Insights Integration and Preparation for KASH Symposium.

As the project nears its conclusion, the focus remains on ensuring the continuity of its achievements. The engagement of external partners such as the keNUP Africa Foundation highlights the vital role of collaboration in tackling regional health challenges and advancing research excellence.

This workshop was not just about capacity building—it was about forging a stronger, more unified KEMRI, where researchers and RAs work in synergy to drive innovation and contribute to a healthier future for Kenya and beyond.

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