Top KEMRI and WRAIR Leadership Negotiate for a New Collaborative Agreement.

The research and Other Transaction Agreement (rOTA) will be pivotal in advancing research and development initiatives aimed at enhancing healthcare outcomes in Kenya, particularly in the fields of infectious diseases and public health over the next decade.

KEMRI’s team led by Ag. Director General Prof. Elijah Songok, received the Commander of the WRAIR COL. Eli Lozano and his team to refine the document aimed at enhancing research capabilities across KEMRI’s centers in Kisumu, Kericho, and Kombewa. The primary goal was clear; to strengthen their collaborative efforts in combating infectious diseases and improving public health solutions.

Speaking on the progress, KEMRI Acting Director General Prof. Songok expressed optimism about the new agreement. “Finalizing these key areas is a major milestone for our continued partnership with WRAIR. This new agreement will allow us to expand research capabilities across multiple centers, enhancing our ability to tackle emerging health challenges.”

Col. Lozano emphasized the depth of the institution’s partnership, noting, “KEMRI and WRAIR’s partnership spans over 45 years. This new agreement isn’t just about maintaining that relationship; it’s about strengthening it for the future of global health security.”

 The successful negotiations of the rOTA mark a pivotal moment in the evolution of this longstanding partnership, following the expiry of the previous agreement in December 2024. The agreement saw momentous milestone research output that have changed policy in Kenya and beyond as well as helped in combating infectious diseases and promoted global health security. As both institutions prepare for the anticipated signing later this year, the groundwork has been laid for enhanced collaboration that promises to advance medical research and strengthen global health security across the region. This renewed commitment between KEMRI and WRAIR signals a bright future for innovative health solutions and scientific discoveries that will benefit communities both locally and globally.

The WRAIR delegation included WRAIR Africa Director in Kenya, Colonel Shannon Lacy, Director/ Senior Contracting Official USAMRAA; Ms. Thea Hofgesang, Contract Specialist USAMRAA; Ms. Jennifer Jackson, Acquisition and Fiscal Law Attorney, USAMRDC-DHA; Rebecca L. Evans, J.D, Intellectual Property Division, Patent Attorney, USAMRDC-DHA; Marlana K. Chapin, WRAIR Africa, Chief of Resource Management; LTC Eric Ni, WRAIR Africa, Chief Laboratory Officer; CPT. Juwan Crittenden, Western Kenya Field Station Director; Col. Gerald Kellar, Major Blair Dancy, Program Manager, Overseas Operations; Mr. Robert Nelson and Senior Budget Analyst, USAMRU-K Mr. Ezra Maiyo.

KEMRI’s team consisted of the following members: Dr. Mariciannah Onono, Ag. Director Scientific Programs, Partnerships, and Grants Management; Mr. Jones Otuke, Director Corporate Services; Ms. Margaret Rigoro, Ag. Director Legal Services and Corporation Secretary; Mr. Davis Mkoji, Deputy Director Corporate Communications; Dr. Bernhards Ogutu, Chief Research Scientist; Dr. Erick Muok, Ag. Deputy Director Centre for Global Health Research; Dr. Fredrick Kirui, Ag. Deputy Director Sports Science Research Centre; Ms. Gaireth Kingi, Ag. Deputy Director Grants Management; Mr. Gabriel Kamau, Ag. Deputy Director Finance and Accounts; Mr. Naftaly Ndungu, Principal Accountant Grants; Ms. Beverly Murunga, Legal Officer; Ms. Jean Chepng’etich, Partnerships and Grants Officer; and Mr. Barnabas Kimatoi from the DG’s office.