PS Dr. Oluga calls for synergy in research during his visit to KEMRI

By Lisper Mokaya

The Principal Secretary (PS), State Department for Medical Services in the  Ministry of Health, Dr. Ouma Oluga paid a courtesy visit to the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) to take stock of the Institute’s research milestones, strategic agenda, and the utilization of its assets in strengthening Kenya’s health system.

The PS was received at KEMRI Headquarters by the Chairman of the Board of Directors Dr. Abdulahi Ali and Acting Director General Prof Elijah Songok. Members of the Board, Senior management, and Senior research scientists.

During the visit, the PS was briefed on KEMRI’s mandate, flagship research programmes, and its contribution to evidence-based policy, disease surveillance, innovation, and public health interventions aligned with national and global health priorities.

In his address, Prof. Songok reflected on KEMRI’s pivotal role as the country’s premier health research institution, underscoring the Institute’s commitment to generating high-quality scientific evidence to inform policy and improve population health outcomes.

“KEMRI remains steadfast in advancing research excellence, innovation, and partnerships that directly support the Ministry of Health in achieving its mandate and strengthening health system resilience, we are glad that you have come to have a first-hand feel of what KEMRI as an institute does,” said Prof. Songok.

The Chairperson of the Board of Directors emphasized the importance of good governance, strategic oversight, and accountability in maximizing the impact of research investments and outputs.

“The Board continues to provide strategic direction to ensure that KEMRI’s research agenda remains responsive to national health priorities while upholding the highest standards of integrity and stewardship,” Dr. Ali noted.

Addressing KEMRI management and senior research scientists, Dr. Oluga commended the Institute for its scientific achievements and infrastructure development, noting that research remains a critical pillar in transforming the country’s health sector.

“Science is a critical pillar of the health system. It informs practice, guides decision-making, and supports the development of materials and technologies used in vaccine development and disease control,” Dr. Oluga stated.

He emphasized the importance of strengthening linkages between academia, research, and healthcare delivery, noting that the pillars of science and administration must operate within a regulated environment that must be informed by credible evidence. He observed that KEMRI plays a central role within this ecosystem by bridging scientific research and clinical practice.

“There is a critical need to connect academia with what happens in hospitals. Science and administration operate within a regulatory framework, and KEMRI is uniquely positioned to generate evidence that informs both scientific inquiry and clinical practice,” he added.

Dr. Oluga urged KEMRI to make its research more accessible and relatable to diverse audiences, including policymakers, government stakeholders, and the public. He emphasized the importance of unpacking scientific work in ways that clearly demonstrate its relevance, impact, and value to the health system and to citizens.

“KEMRI must be deliberate in communicating its research in a manner that the Ministry, government leadership, and even the lay person can understand and appreciate. This may require repackaging the Institute’s work or reframing its story to clearly show how research translates into better health outcomes,” the PS stated.

He further noted that KEMRI holds significant potential to redefine health research in Kenya by taking a more intentional role in shaping the national research ecosystem.

“KEMRI has the opportunity to lead in defining how the Ministry of Health establishes and sustains a functional research ecosystem that supports the entire health system,” he added

The visit also featured a series of technical presentations showcasing KEMRI’s ongoing and completed research projects, innovations, and collaborations. These presentations highlighted the Institute’s work in infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases, clinical trials, capacity building, diagnostics, clinical trials, and public health research.

The PS was also taken on a guided tour of selected research facilities and laboratories, where he interacted with scientists and technical staff and observed firsthand the Institute’s research capacity and technological capabilities.

Members of the Board who accompanied the Board Chairman Dr. Ali were; Dr. Damaris Maweu, Mr. Luka Chemwolo, CPA Faith Mwongerah, Ms. Wangui Njenga, Ms. Vivian Chebii and Mr. Christopher Marwa. Members of Senior management present were Director Corporate Services Mr. Jones Otuke, Acting Director Strategy and Compliance Mr. Edwin Bett, Ag. Director Scientific Programmes, Partnerships and Grants Management rep by Dr. Damaris Matoke, Ag. Director Legal Services & Cooperation Secretary, Ms. Margaret Rigoro,   Deputy Director Centre for Virus Research (CVR), Dr. Samoel Khamadi, Ag. Director Research Capacity Building Dr. Martin Bundi, Acting Deputy Director Centre for Biotechnology Research Development (CBRD) Dr. Erick Lelo, Acting Deputy Director Centre for Traditional Medicine and Drug Research, Dr. Jeremiah Gathirwa, Deputy Director Human Resource Management Mr. Ben Sifuna, Deputy Director Corporate Communications Mr. Davis Mkoji, Deputy Director Supply Chain Management, Dr. Kalu Kitaba, Acting Deputy Director Department of Epidemiology Statistics and Informatics (DESI) Prof. Wallace Bulimo, Acting Deputy Director Resource Development and Knowledge Management, Ms. Lillian Mayieka, Acting Deputy Director Centre for Community Driven Research Dr. Sospeter Njeru, Acting Deputy Director ESACIPAC, Dr. Paul Gichuki, Acting Deputy Director CCR, Dr. Linus Ndegwa, Acting Deputy Director Finance and Accounts , Mr. Gabriel Kamau and other senior research scientists.