KEMRI Leadership in a Strategic Retreat to Set 2026 Agenda

BY ISABOKE DUKE

The Institute wrapped up a week-long high-level strategic retreat aimed at reviewing institutional progress, addressing emerging challenges, and shaping the Institute’s leadership and research priorities for the year 2026.

The Board and Management retreat, held in the scenic town of Naivasha, brought together the Institute’s top decision-making organs, the KEMRI Board of Directors led by Board Chairman Dr. Abdulahi Ali, and the Management team led by Ag. Director General, Prof. Elijah Songok. The retreat provided a rare opportunity for in-depth reflection on the Institute’s operations, policy environment, and long term strategies.

The retreat opened with remarks from the Board Chair and the Director General, who underscored the importance of strengthening KEMRI’s governance and research leadership as the Institute prepares for its next strategic phase. Their message set a constructive tone for what unfolded as an intensive yet vibrant week.

“This retreat is a vital opportunity for us to reflect honestly on our progress, confront the challenges before us, and reaffirm our commitment to excellence in research and governance. I look forward to resolutions that we adopt to strengthen KEMRI’s ability to deliver on its mandate to the people of Kenya,” said the Board Chair while making his opening remarks and added, “As the Board, our priority is to ensure that KEMRI remains a resilient, well-governed, and globally competitive institution. The decisions taken here will guide a stronger, more responsive research agenda for the country.”

His view was shared by Prof. Songok who observed that, “This strategic retreat will certainly help us re-align our operational, policy, and research frameworks within the emerging public health landscape and focus in execution that translates our strategies into real impact for Kenyans”.

One of the key areas of focus was the review of KEMRI’s existing Memoranda of Understanding (MoU’s) with local and international partners being critical instruments that guide collaborative research and strategic partnerships at the Institute. This session was led by the Ag. Director Scientific Programmes, Partnerships, and Grants Management (DSPPGM), Dr. Zipporah Bukania.

This was followed by a comprehensive review of institutional policies, led by the Ag. Director, Strategy and Compliance (DSC), Mr. Edwin Bett. Discussions cantered on ensuring that the Institute’s operational, administrative, and research policies remain aligned with KEMRI’s strategic vision, national health priorities, and global scientific standards.

Director General, Prof. Songok appraised the meeting on the progress made towards the granting of the Institute degree awarding status by the Commission for University Education (CUE) that would be a foundational document that would position it as a key regional capacity building hub in public health and research.

The Ag. Director, Research and Development, Dr. Eric Mouk appraised members on the recent working tour to China by a delegation from KEMRI outlining the potential collaborative and partnership ventures between the Institute and various Chinese organizations. This was followed by a presentation by the Deputy Director of Internal Audit (DDIA), Mr. Patrick Gitau on an overview of the Institute’s compliance audit architecture for the past year.

Other several technical updates presented at the retreat included status of ongoing and planned capital development projects aimed at expanding the research and infrastructure by Ag. Deputy Director, Engineering and Maintenance, Eng. Grace Munoru and briefing of the recent outcomes of the Pan-Africa Environment, Climate Change, and Health Conference, co-hosted by KEMRI by Ms. Sophie Matu and Mr. Arthur Gahole. The retreat also examined progress in translating research into policy and practice by the KEMRI–MOH Liaison Officer, Dr. Lubano Kizito and an update to key Human Resource policies by the Deputy Director, Human Resources, Mr. Ben Sifuna.

At the close of the retreat, the Board directed management to finalize on the respective substantive papers that it would consider for approval during its sittings that will guide KEMRI’s strategic direction over the next two years. These cover governance reforms, research priorities, infrastructure development, policy alignment, and organisational productivity.

“We leave Naivasha with renewed clarity and unity of purpose. Together with Management, we are committed to supporting the Institute’s transformation and ensuring that science continues to drive national health priorities”, resolved the Board Chair, Dr. Abdullahi.

Director General Prof. Songok observed, “KEMRI’s strength lies in its people, its science, and its partnerships. The discussions we held this week will enable us to streamline processes, enhance productivity, and position the Institute for greater innovation and global engagement.”

The convenor of the session, Ag. Corporation Secretary and Director Legal Services, Ms. Margaret Rigoro, summed up the retreat as: “I am encouraged by the Board’s and management support and the leadership displayed at this retreat. As we head back to Nairobi, our commitment is to accelerate implementation, strengthen research translation, and uphold the highest standards of scientific excellence.”