KEMRI Kilifi Hosts British High Commissioner, Neil Wigan, to Strengthen UK-Kenya Research Collaboration

KEMRI was honored to host the British High Commissioner to Kenya, Amb. Neil Wigan at the Centre for Geographic Medicine Research, Coast in Kilifi on 12th June, 2025. The envoy was warmly received by the KEMRI delegation, led by Board Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ali, Ag. DG, Prof. Elijah Songok, Director KEMRI Wellcome Trust Programme, Dr. Edwin Baraza and Ag. Deputy Director, CGMRC, Dr. Sophie Uyoga.

The visit underscored the strong and longstanding research partnership between UK and KEMRI and provided a platform to explore more opportunities for expanded research funding, innovation, and capacity building to improve health and quality of life across Africa.

Ag. DG, Prof. Elijah Songok, expressed appreciation for the support extended by UK institutions including the Wellcome Trust, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), and the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). He acknowledged the transformative impact of these partnerships, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“As KEMRI, we are grateful to the UK Government and its partners whose support has allowed us to respond to national and regional health challenges. Through the KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, we were able to offer emergency diagnostic support and generate evidence that guided the Ministry of Health’s pandemic response. The DELTAS Africa initiative funded by FCDO has enabled us to train the next generation of young scientists, while NIHR’s investment in research and capacity building continues to bear fruit .” Prof. Songok exhilarated.

In her welcoming remarks, Dr. Sophie Uyoga expressed heartfelt appreciation for the High Commissioner’s visit and the continued UK support. “It is both an honor and a privilege to welcome you to the KEMRI CGMRC. We are grateful for the opportunity to host you today and sincerely appreciate the longstanding, productive partnership between the United Kingdom and our research institution. This partnership has been instrumental in delivering impactful research for better health across the region.”

KEMRI Board Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ali, on his part emphasized the value of protecting research investments. “Despite the withdrawal or pause of many funding donors from the U.S. Government, the UK has continued to stand by KEMRI, through providing funding support needed in our research agenda. Sustaining research funding is vital to protect the progress we have made in public health, innovation, and human resource development,” said Board Chair, Dr. Abdullahi.

“It is with great pleasure that we have this opportunity to exchange ideas and reaffirm our shared commitment to research collaboration and progress. The British Government and its funding agencies is proud of the impactful work being done here in Kilifi, and we are committed to continuing this collaboration, especially in advancing locally led research that shapes policy, strengthens health systems, and benefits communities.” said Amb. Neil Wigan.

KEMRI reaffirmed its commitment to advancing critical health research in areas such as Malaria, Chikungunya, Dengue fever, Shigella, Malnutrition, Mental health, and Neonatal critical care. With the generous support of UK funders, the Institute continues to serve as a leading Centre of excellence, conducting research that is responsive to the health needs of local communities and aligned with global health priorities.

The meeting provided a platform to raise concerns over recent policy changes affecting development aid. The reduction in the United Kingdom’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) from 0.5% to 0.3% of GDP has had a significant impact on access to research funds.

“This policy shift poses a risk to the quality and continuity of scientific research and the capacity building efforts that have taken years to establish. We respectfully appeal to the British Government to consider protecting and sustaining research funding to ensure that the progress made in health innovation and development is not reversed.” Ag. DG, Prof. Songok remarked.

The visit concluded on a hopeful note, with both parties pledging to strengthen collaboration and uphold a shared responsibility in shaping a healthier future for Kenya, the region, and beyond. The guests were then taken on a conducted tour of the facility to appreciate the ongoing research activities.