PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEE APPROVES KEMRI’S REFORM PROCESS

The Institute played host to the Parliamentary Departmental Committee on Health of the National Assembly who were on a fact-finding mission on KEMRI’s Research activities with a focus on assessing their effectiveness and identifying any challenges encountered during implementation. Additionally, the committee sought insights into the policies of the Institute, understanding their objectives, evaluating their effectiveness, and identifying challenges faced in their execution.

The Committee, led by its chair, Hon. Dr. Pukose Robert, alongside members, Hon. Nyikal James, Hon. Mangethe Duncan, Hon Oron Joshua, Hon. Ruben Kiborek, Hon. Mary Maingi, Hon. Pauline Lenguris, Hon. Jaldesa Guyo, Hon. Cynthia Munge, Hon. Martin Owino, Hon. Antony Kibagendi and Hon. Wanyonyi Martin Pepela were received at the Institute’s headquarters by the Chairman KEMRI Board of Directors, Dr. Abdullahi Ali together with Ag. Director General, Prof. Elijah Songok, and Board Director, Dr. Damaris Maweu.

During the committee’s seven-hour visit at the Institute, the legislators toured selected state-of-the art facilities at the Central Laboratory Complex, interacted with researchers and held an open meeting with members of the Board of Directors and Management seeking to better understand research, scientific and routine operations.   

While welcoming the committee to the Institute, the chairman of the KEMRI Board of Directors Dr. Abdullahi Ali underscored the support to the Institute received from the committee over the years and noted “I express my deepest gratitude to this committee and its leadership for your continued support in ensuring we continue delivering as per our mandate”.

His views were well received and shared by Hon. Dr. Pukose, who said, “We are also very pleased to be at KEMRI, we value what this Institution does and the impact it has and continues to make in healthcare and from the tour we just had we are impressed with the work you are doing. As we have these discussions, we hope to identify new research priority areas we can consider for better health outcomes”.

Presentations made to the committee by Prof. Songok, Prof. Nelly Mugo (Research and Development) and Dr. Maricianna Onono (Scientific Programmes, Partnerships and Grants Management) and Dr. James Kimotho (Information Transfer Technology Division) centered on the Institute’s Scientific programs, priority areas and value addition, impact of KEMRI’s Internal Research Grants (IRG) and the key role of collaborations and partnerships. While presentations by Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ali, Mr. Edwin Bett (Strategy and Compliance) and Ms. Joan Lelei (Human Resource Management) focused on the KEMRI Strategic Plans, human resource challenges, current research infrastructure and product development.

The presentations were followed by animated discussions between the parties with the committee affirming their commitment towards supporting the Institute’s agenda especially in product development, traditional medicine research, and mental health initiatives.

The legislators further affirmed the importance of government channeling more funding towards research and try to match the support received through partners and collaborators.

The team further reiterated their steadfast support in bolstering the Institute’s human resources, and finalizing the enactment of the KEMRI Bill to better deliver on its national mandate and operationalizing the recently launched KEMRI Eldoret Sports Science Research Centre (SSRC).

“Our work as the Parliamentary Health Committee is to ensure we fully empower you to find local solutions for local problems, we look forward to continually working with you to take care of the health and safety of our people,” stated Hon. Pukose who also appreciated the conducted tour that saw the delegation tour the Centre for Biotechnology Research (CBRD), Innovation Technology Transfer Division (ITTD), Centre for Traditional Medicine Research (CTMDR) and Centre for Clinical Research (CCR).

In conclusion Prof. Songok expressed his gratitude to the committee led by its chairman, Hon. Pukose for your continued support especially through the gradual increase of the IRG funds, which he pointed out is instrumental in research capacity building especially to young upcoming research scientists. “We continue to make deliberate steps to ensure we contribute to the health of our people through impactful research which we commit here that we shall do with your support,” said Prof. Songok.

Other members of the KEMRI team that attended the meeting included Ag. Director Research Capacity Building, Dr. Martin Bundi, Ag. Director Corporate Services, Mr. Anthony Wachira, Ag.  Director Strategy and Compliance and Ag. Director Legal Services and Cooperation Secretary, Ms. Margaret Rigoro.

Also present were the following Centre Deputy Directors: Dr. Linus Ndegwa (CCR), Dr. Doris Njomo (ESACIPAC), Dr. Luna Kamau (CBRD), Dr. Erick Muok (CGHR), Dr. Ruth Nyangacha (CTMDR), Dr. Zipporah Bukania (CPHR) and Dr. Esther Matu (CCDR). Deputy Directors in charge of Programme, Dr. Linnet Ongeri (NCDs), Dr. Steve Wandiga (Infectious and Parasitic Diseases), Dr. Damaris Matoke (Biotechnology), Dr. Rose Bosire (Public Health and Health Systems) and Dr. Robert Onsare (One Health) were also present. Research Scientist, Ms. Ann Korir (Head Cancer Registry), Dr. Bernhards Ogutu, Dr. Samuel Gathere, Dr. Vera Manduku and Dr. Festus Tolo also graced the event.

From the administrative arm were Mr. Davis Mkoji (DDCC), Mr. Ben Sifuna (DDHR), Mr. Kalu Kitaba (DDSCM), Mr. John Musau (Administration), Ms. Caroline Wandera (CE), Mr. Mogaka Mongare (Rep DDICT) were joined by Mr. Rowland Muyeshi and Ms. Joan Lelei both from (HRM) and Wodera James (CC) among others.