KEMRI Strengthens Research Infrastructure at the County Level.

In an exertion to strengthen research and improve infrastructure at the county level, the Institute has embarked on laboratory construction projects in Taita/Taveta and Kwale counties that will enhance cross border disease surveillance in the areas. This milestone follows the completion of the KEMRI-Kirinyaga Laboratory and Administration block at the Centre for Community Driven Research (CCDR), that will deliver its scientific research mandates in the region.

Last week, Ag. Director General (DG) Prof. Elijah Songok who visited the two counties to appraise himself on the progress of the laboratory construction projects expressed his satisfaction on the progress of the two projects saying that upon completion they will not only strengthen cross border disease surveillance but support research activities and service delivery in the two counties. “There is a need to support research and disease surveillance at the county level. I am confident that the completion of these two laboratory projects, will not only strengthen cross border disease surveillance in the two counties, but also support research activities and service delivery,’’ stated Prof. Songok.

The DG was accompanied by Ag. Director, Strategy & Compliance (DSC) and Secretary to Capital Projects, Mr. Edwin Bett, Deputy Director Engineering and Maintenance, Eng. Grace Munoru and Deputy Director, Corporate Communications, Mr. Davis Mkoji. Phase one of the Kwale Laboratory and Administration Block, that is expected to be completed by June next year will cost Kes. 350 million while the Taveta laboratory will be completed at a cost of Kes. 15 million.

During his tour of Taita Taveta County, the Ag. DG, Prof. Songok engaged with the County leadership including the Deputy Governor, Christine Kilalo, County Commissioner Josephine Onunga and Taveta area Member of Parliament (MP), John Bwire among others to discuss areas of mutual benefit and strategic partnerships. The DG also held staff meetings with staff at the Centre for Vector Diseases Control (CVDC), Kwale led by the Centre Deputy Director, Dr. Athman Chiguzo, Head of KEMRI Taveta Station Dr. Jimmy Kihara and research scientist, Paul Ngaluma.