Members of the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Health have pledged to push for increased funding for the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)

Members of the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Health have pledged to push for increased funding for the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)

By Stella Ranji 

citing its critical role in health research, disease surveillance and the development of locally made medical innovations.

The commitment followed an oversight visit to KEMRI's Nairobi facilities, where the legislators reviewed the institute's research capacity, infrastructure development and innovation programmes.

Led by Committee Chairperson and Seme MP Dr James Nyikal, the lawmakers toured the Multi-Phase Laboratories, Training and Office Facility under construction at the Kenyatta National Hospital Complex. They also visited the Biosafety Level 3

High Containment Laboratory and several research centres at KEMRI headquarters, including the newly established Polio Laboratory.

The visit concluded with a consultative meeting between the parliamentary committee, the KEMRI Board and senior management, focusing on tunding, commercialisation of research innovations, infrastructure expansion and collaboration among health research institutions.

Dr Nyikal commended KEMRI for its contribution to public health, describing the institute as a key pillar of Kenya's medical research sector.

He said KEMRI's recent elevation to a degree-awarding institution had expanded its mandate to include training health professionals alongside conducting advanced scientific research.

"KEMRI now has the responsibility of undertaking cutting-edge research while producing the next generation of health professionals. This requires stronger institutional support and adequate funding," he said.

The committee also praised the institute's modern laboratories, noting that they have strengthened Kenya's capacity to detect, monitor and respond to disease outbreaks.

Dr Nyikal further noted that KEMRI has developed several innovations, including vaccines, diagnostic technologies and other medical products with commercial potential, but many have yet to reach the market.

He said establishing effective commercialisation mechanisms would help the institute generate additional revenue, reduce dependence on donor funding and expand access to locally developed health solutions 

The lawmakers acknowledged KERI's growing

financial needs, particularly for ongoing infrastructure projects. Dr Nyikal said the institute requires about KSh500 million to complete the Nairobi laboratory complex, in addition to funding for similar projects across the country.

"We appreciate the progress that has been made and recognise the importance of these investments.

The committee will consider these funding requirements during the budget-making process," he said.

KEMRI Director-General Prof Elijah Songok welcomed the delegation, saying the visit provided an opportunity to demonstrate how government investment has strengthened research, innovation and healthcare in Kenya.

He noted that it was the first parliamentary oversight visit since KEMRI received its university charter, a milestone that enables the institute to award its own academic qualifications while retaining its core mandate under the Ministry of Health.

"Our primary responsibility remains health research, innovation and capacity building to improve healthcare and public health outcomes,"

Prof Songok said.

He urged Parliament to support policies that would allow KEMRI-developed products to access government markets through the Buy Kenya, Build Kenya initiative.

According to Prof Songok, locally developed 

sanitisers and traditional medicine products, continue to face procurement and regulatory barriers despite their proven value.

"If government prioritises locally developed innovations in public procurement, it will improve healthcare delivery while promoting local manufacturing and creating jobs," he said.

The Director-General also called for greater domestic investment in scientific research, noting that nearly 70 percent of KERI's research funding currently comes from international partners.

He said increased government support, including dedicated research funding, would enable KEMRI to focus more effectively on national health priorities while attracting additional international partnerships.

The visit highlighted KERI's expanding role in disease surveillance, outbreak preparedness, vaccine development and evidence-based policymaking as Kenya seeks to strengthen its healthcare system and advance Universal Health Coverage.