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By Gideon Kirui
The Institute on Monday, 12th, January 2026 hosted the Principal Secretary, State Department for Science, Research and Innovation, Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary, Prof. Shaukat Abdulrazak, in its first major engagement of the new year, as the government signaled renewed emphasis on research collaboration, funding efficiency, and science that directly addresses societal needs.
Prof. Abdulrazak was received at the KEMRI headquarters by members of the Board of Directors led by Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Ali, and Senior Management led by Acting Director General Prof. Elijah Songok.
For the Principal Secretary, himself a distinguished research scientist, the visit carried special significance, marking a return to the Institute where he previously served as a long-standing member of the then KEMRI Board of Management more than two decades ago.
Speaking during a comprehensive briefing with the Institute’s leadership following a guided tour of key facilities, Prof. Abdulrazak expressed admiration for KEMRI’s progress.
“I am delighted to be back at this Institute. The growth in infrastructure and human capacity is very impressive,” he remarked.
The PS was accompanied by the Acting Director General of the National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation (NACOSTI), Dr. David Ngigi, the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the National Research Fund (NRF), Prof. Dickson Andala, and other senior officials from the State Department.
KEMRI Board members Dr. Damaris Maweu and CPA Faith Mwongerah, Acting Director, Research and Development, Dr. Erick Muok, Acting Director of Scientific Programmes, Partnerships and Grants Management (DSPPGM) Dr. Zipporah Bukania, Director, Corporate Services, Mr. Jones Otuke, Acting Director Legal Services and Corporation Secretary, Ms. Margaret Rigoro, and Acting Director, Research Capacity Building, represented by Dr. Joseph Mutai were among senior management staff, joined by Deputy Directors and scientists from various centres and departments during the engagement.
During the visit, Prof. Abdulrazak gained first-hand insight into KEMRI’s infrastructure, state-of-the-art laboratories, and research platforms that support cutting-edge health research in Kenya and the region. The engagement culminated in a consultative session with KEMRI scientists, during which ongoing research initiatives and emerging innovations were presented. The forum provided an open and interactive platform for direct engagement between researchers and the visiting delegation on priority research areas and policy considerations.
Presenting on behalf of Acting DG Prof. Songok, Research Scientist Dr. Veronica Manduku highlighted KEMRI’s notable strides in research and innovation, including the development of products and knowledge outputs aligned with national priorities in science, research, and innovation.
In his address, Prof. Abdulrazak lauded KEMRI for its scientific leadership and unwavering commitment to research excellence. He reaffirmed the Government’s support for research and innovation as key drivers of national development, noting that KEMRI’s mandate is closely aligned with the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
He further praised the Institute’s staff for their zeal and enthusiasm, observing that such dedication merits sustained support. The PS explained that the recent relocation of the State Department for Science, Research and Innovation to the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary was intended to enhance coordination across the sector.
He pledged to extend this coordinated approach to all State institutions under his docket, particularly across the health, agriculture, and technology sectors, cautioning that siloed operations are not only undesirable but also counterproductive to delivering tangible benefits to Kenyans.
Prof. Abdulrazak urged scientists to embrace collaboration and synergy to ensure optimal use of limited resources. “We must have a coordinated working relationship to break silos and build synergies. Such cooperation will strengthen our collective ability to lobby for increased research funding,” he emphasized.
The PS also challenged researchers to ensure their work responds directly to societal needs and generates tangible value. “We must derive something valuable from these publications that directly addresses societal needs,” he said, underscoring the importance of translating research outputs into practical solutions. While acknowledging prevailing funding constraints, he encouraged KEMRI to demonstrate optimal utilization of available resources and measurable impact.
Outlining his vision for the sector, Prof. Abdulrazak proposed a cluster-based approach to research, with KEMRI positioned as a lead institution and focal point. On research communication, he advised scientists to work closely with communication professionals to better package and disseminate research outputs, enhance visibility, attract partnerships, and amplify impact
In his remarks, Board Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Ali welcomed the consolidation of research bodies under the State Department for Science, Research and Innovation, expressing optimism that the move would foster stronger coordination, collaboration, and shared growth for institutions such as KEMRI. “Time is now for KEMRI to play its leadership role in addressing the health needs of our people, with government support, our scientists here are not only willing, but ever ready to do this”, said Dr. Ali.
Acting Director General Prof. Elijah Songok echoed these sentiments, congratulating Prof. Abdulrazak on his appointment and noting that his qualifications and experience place him in a strong position to steer the sector towards greater relevance and impact.
“We are ready to be part of the President’s transformative journey to a better future,” Prof. Songok said. “We have the platform, the vision, and the capability.”
Prof. Songok added that the PS’s visit was deliberately structured to allow scientists to present updates on their work directly to senior policy and decision-making leadership, while also providing an opportunity for the PS to articulate his vision for the science, research, and innovation ecosystem.
During the engagement, the Chairperson of the KEMRI Annual Scientific and Health Conference (KASH), Dr. Cecilia Mbae, formally invited Prof. Abdulrazak to serve as a keynote speaker at the forthcoming 16th KASH Conference scheduled for 10th–13th February 2026.
