TCP Launches Comprehensive Capacity Building Initiative for Interns.

The KEMRI-JICA Technical Cooperation Project (TCP) organized a comprehensive three-day training session for interns from November 6th to 8th, 2024, at the KEMRI Headquarters. This training aligns with the objectives of the TCP, a collaboration between JICA and KEMRI aimed at building research capacity within the institute through continuous staff training and development.

The TCP project drew participants from KEMRI’s Scientific and Research Management and Administration (RMA) departments and from OMICS related field who have been trained over the past two years as part of the initiative. The goal is to equip these participants with the necessary knowledge and skills to qualify as Trainers of Trainees (TOTs). This training served as an opportunity for the TCP project participants to demonstrate their training abilities, showcasing the skills and knowledge they have acquired.

While officiating the opening of the training, Acting Director of Research and Capacity Building Dr. Martin Bundi, who was representing the Acting Director General, Prof. Elijah Songok, emphasized the importance of the training. “I am so pleased to see this session organized as it is crucial in our capacity-building journey and enable you to pass on the knowledge acquired in the TOT program to the young professionals gathered here,” Dr. Bundi noted. He encouraged the interns to make the most of the training, highlighting how it would enhance their efficiency and deepen their understanding of their professional landscape. Dr. Bundi further emphasized that the training would not only strengthen the capacity of the institute but also contribute to the development of both the country and the region. The interns had the privilege of participating in rigorous training sessions, which included insightful presentations from the TOTs. The training was interactive, with dynamic Question and Answer sessions that facilitated the exchange of ideas between the interns and the TOTs. Interns were divided into two groups— those from the scientific departments and those from the RMA departments—allowing for a more tailored training experience.

The training provided an ideal platform for interns to observe real-world scenarios and engage with practical demonstrations and hypotheses, reinforcing the objective of equipping interns with hands-on skills and knowledge. This session also served as a pilot for future training sessions conducted by the TOTs.

The training concluded with a certificate presentation ceremony for the participants, marking the culmination of the TCP’s efforts to build capacity through knowledge sharing and skill development.

The TCP project team present included Dr. Evans Amukoye, Project Director; Prof. Muuo Nzou, Principal Investigator and Project Manager; Dr. Raita Tamaki, JICA Expert on Infectious Diseases; and Mulinda Yukari, JICA Expert and Project Coordinator. Also present to access the TOTs was Prof. Shingo Inoue, from the KEMRI NUITM Project and lecturer of the OMICS team.