KEMRI renews collaboration with Wellcome Trust and University of Oxford

NAIROBI, November 27th, 2024: The Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) has signed a seven-year Memorandum of Agreement with Wellcome Trust, a UK charitable organization, and the University of Oxford, today, Wednesday, November 27, 2024, at the KEMRI Headquarters, Nairobi. Under this collaboration, Wellcome has awarded GBP 91 million (KES 15 billion) to support research over the next 7 years.

Prof. Elijah Songok, Acting Director General/ CEO who signed MOA on behalf of KEMRI noted the strategic importance of the KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme stating that “This is one of KEMRI’s flagship research and training, Programmes, contributing more than 30% of KEMRI’s research output” he also appreciated the continued support from Wellcome for the Programme.

Chris Bird, the Wellcome Chief Legal Officer stated that Wellcome was proud of the investment it had in Kenya, emphasizing the key role the president had played in getting the agreement signed. Chris Price, the Divisional registrar and Chief Operating Officer, Medical Sciences Division who signed the agreement on behalf of the Oxford University said “Oxfords mandate is to further learning through teaching and research, and the collaboration with KEMRI is an fantastic example of this in practice”.

Earlier in the week the Government of Kenya hosted Julia Gillard, the Chair of the Wellcome Trust Board of Governors, and Prof. Irene Tracey, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Oxford, who have been in the country for the 60 years celebration of Wellcome’s science and research partnership with Kenya and met the President William Ruto yesterday at State House.

KEMRI, have been closely collaborating with the Wellcome Trust and the University of Oxford, dedicated towards improving health through research for over 35 years now. The Government of Kenya and the Wellcome Trust have been in collaboration for the last 60 years.

This auspicious signing marks a continuation of this vibrant collaboration, that has resulted in major scientific breakthroughs including cutting edge research dedicated to fighting malaria, pneumonia, meningitis, HIV and malnutrition, testing of 2 Malaria Vaccines: Development and testing of the Rift Valley Vaccine using the One health approach, support of MOH during the COVID 19 pandemic among others, and generating evidence towards Universal Health Coverage in Kenya and the region.

For more information, please contact Wodera James on Email: jwodera@kemri.go.ke, 0722767682 or Cynthia Mauncho Cell: 0780 547440.

Notes to the editor

KEMRI

The Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) is a State Corporation established in Kenya in 1979 through the Science and Technology (Repealed) Act, Cap 250 of the Laws of Kenya operated under the Science Technology and Innovation Act, 2013 as the national body responsible for carrying out research in human health in Kenya. Currently, KEMRI operates under Legal Notice No. 35 of March 2021KEMRI has grown from its humble beginning over 40 years ago to become a regional leader in human health research. The Institute currently ranks as one of the leading Centers of excellence in health research both in Africa as well as globally. For more information visit; www.kemri.go.ke

About the University of Oxford

Oxford University has been placed number 1 in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings for the eighth year running, and number 3 in the QS World Rankings 2025. At the heart of this success are the twin-pillars of our ground-breaking research and innovation and our distinctive educational offer. Oxford is world-famous for research and teaching excellence and home to some of the most talented people from across the globe. Our work helps the lives of millions, solving real-world problems through a huge network of partnerships and collaborations. The breadth and interdisciplinary nature of our research alongside our personalized approach to teaching sparks imaginative and inventive insights and solutions.

Wellcome

Wellcome is a global charitable foundation established in 1936. Through our work we support science to solve the urgent health issues facing everyone.