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November 12, 2024KEMRI-JICA Vow to Strengthen Research Collaboration.
Talks: Ag. Director General, Prof. Elijah Songok and Head of Human Development Department at JICA, Ms. Haruko KAMEI.
The Institute played host to Ms. Haruko Kamei, Head of the Human Development Department at JICA Headquarters, on November 8, 2024. This is one of the Institute’s shared collaborative efforts for advancing Kenya’s research capabilities. Ms. Kamei and her delegation joined hands with KEMRI leadership led by the Ag. Director General, Prof. Elijah Songok, to discuss key initiatives aimed at strengthening Kenya’s scientific research infrastructure.
The delegation from JICA included Mr. Elijah Kinyangi, Ms. Kaneko Nae and Mr. Hayashi Kenji. Also representing KEMRI were Ag. Director of Research Capacity Building Dr. Martin Bundi, Director of Corporate Services Mr. Jones Otuke, and Deputy Director of Human Resource Management, Mr. Ben Sifuna.
In his address, Prof. Songok gave a reflection on the strength of JICA and KEMRI’s partnership stating Reflecting on the strength of this partnership, “Our collaboration with JICA is a cornerstone in enhancing the Institute’s capacity to address pressing health challenges. The initiatives we are undertaking together are transformative for our scientists and research managers.”
Ms. Kamei echoed these sentiments, noting that, “JICA remains committed to strengthening KEMRI’s research capabilities, particularly through programs like the Third Country Training Programme and other capacity-building efforts.”
Key topics of discussion included the KEMRI-JICA Third Country Training Programme (TCTP), as well as the KEMRI-JICA TCP training initiatives that are designed for Research Management Administrators (RMAs) and OMICS scientists. Additionally, the team discussed the JICA grant aid project, which aims to further strengthen KEMRI’s research infrastructure and capabilities.
After the discussions, the team toured several KEMRI facilities to observe ongoing projects first-hand. Their visit included stops at the Centre for Virus Research (CVR), the Centre for Biotechnology Research and Development (CBRD), the Eastern and Southern Africa Centre of International Parasite Control (ESACIPAC), and the Production Unit.
This visit marks a significant milestone in the partnership these two institutions have, and a reflection of their commitment to improving research management and fostering scientific advancements that contribute to better health outcomes for Kenya and the region.
