KEMRI (Kenya Medical Research Institute)
In the ever-evolving landscape of health research, few institutions in Africa stand out as prominently as the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI). Established in 1979, KEMRI is a state corporation mandated to carry out health research that informs policy and improves the lives of Kenyans. As the national body for health research, its influence stretches beyond borders—impacting the entire East African region and collaborating globally.
In 2025, KEMRI’s relevance in Kenya’s public health infrastructure is more critical than ever. From managing disease outbreaks to shaping healthcare policies and training Africa’s next generation of scientists, KEMRI plays a central role in enhancing Kenya’s health outcomes.
This article explores KEMRI’s journey, its current operations, impact, and why it’s a key institution for professionals seeking meaningful careers in science and public health.
Kenya Medical Research Institute Careers in Kenya:
1. Cleaner/Messenger
2. Community Interviewer
3. Receptionist
4. Driver
5. Administrative Assistant
6. Data Clerk
7. Community Tracker
8. Community Liaison Officer
9. Study Administrator
10. Research Assistant
11. Logistics/Administration Intern
12. Study Coordinator
13. Data Manager
14. Registered Nurse
15. Study Nurse
16. Medical Officer
17. Clinical Officer
18. Registered Clinical Officer
19. Laboratory Analyst
20. Laboratory Technologist
21. Assistant Laboratory Technologist
22. Pharmaceutical Technologist
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LAST UPDATED ON 11th APRIL 2025
Company Background and History
Founding and Establishment
KEMRI was officially founded in 1979 through the Science and Technology (Amendment) Act. Over the decades, it has evolved into a premier research body under the Science, Technology, and Innovation Act of 2013. In 2021, it gained enhanced autonomy and operational clarity through Legal Notice No. 35, solidifying its status as Kenya’s lead institution in human health research.
Growth and Milestones
From humble beginnings, KEMRI has achieved international recognition. One of its most notable accomplishments came in 2020 when Africa CDC selected it as a Centre of Excellence for COVID-19 diagnostics evaluation. Today, KEMRI is globally acknowledged as a top Centre of Excellence in health research, with a strong presence in areas like vaccine development, disease surveillance, and diagnostics.
Mission and Vision
- Vision: To be a global leader in research for human health.
- Mission: To improve human health and quality of life through research, innovation, capacity building, and service delivery.
- Motto: In Search of Better Health.
Company Structure and Leadership
Headquarters and Locations
Headquartered in Nairobi, KEMRI operates 15 research centers spread across the country. Key centers include:
- KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme (KWTRP) in Kilifi
- Centers in Kisumu, Kericho, Busia, Nairobi, and more
This broad geographic spread enables KEMRI to implement localized health interventions while maintaining national impact.
Leadership Team
- Chairperson: Dr. Naphtali Nyabero Agata
- Acting Director General: Dr. Yeri Kombe
- Key Board Members: Dr. Simon Langat (NACOSTI), Amb. Dr. Wenwa Odinga, Dr. Joseph Mutai
- Senior Leadership:
- Prof. Nelly Mugo (Director, Research & Development)
- Dr. Maricianah Onono (Director, Scientific Programmes)
Organizational Structure
Operating under the Ministry of Health, KEMRI organizes its operations into seven regional clusters. Research activities are guided by three pillars:
- Research & Development
- Capacity Building
- Products & Services
It also runs the KEMRI Graduate School, offering postgraduate training in health sciences.
Services and Research Focus
Core Research Areas
KEMRI conducts cutting-edge research in:
- Infectious diseases (HIV/AIDS, malaria, TB)
- Non-communicable diseases (NCDs)
- Disease transmission dynamics and resistance patterns
- National disease surveillance (cholera, Ebola, COVID-19)
Specialized Programs
- KWTRP: In partnership with the Wellcome Trust and University of Oxford, this program is renowned for malaria and tropical disease research.
- Centre for Biotechnology Research and Development (CBRD): Develops vaccines, diagnostic kits, and biotech solutions.
- Scientific and Ethics Review Unit (SERU): Ensures research integrity and ethical compliance.
Products and Services
- KEMRUB (sanitizer), TBcide (surface decontaminant), KEMTAQ (DNA testing kit)
- Offers services such as:
- Facility and lab rentals
- Waste incineration
- Microbiological testing
- Policy advisory for the Ministry of Health
Client Portfolio and Collaborations
Local Collaborations
KEMRI works closely with:
- Ministry of Health (MoH)
- Top hospitals like Kenyatta National Hospital and Mbagathi Hospital
- Universities including University of Nairobi, Moi University, and JKUAT
International and Regional Partnerships
- Wellcome Trust, WHO, CDC, JICA
- Regional partners: Makerere University (Uganda), NIMR (Tanzania), Noguchi Memorial Institute (Ghana)
- Global Cancer Research Hub: Hosts IARC-GICR training center for Sub-Saharan Africa
Community Engagement
KEMRI runs a Health Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS) in Kilifi and maintains a network of 17 surveillance hospitals across Kenya to monitor disease trends in real time.
Impact on the Kenyan Job Market
Job Opportunities
With over 4,000 employees, KEMRI offers a wide range of career paths:
- Recent job titles: Data Clerk, Research Scientist, Lab Technician
- Graduate opportunities: May 2025 intake for internships and MSc/PhD programs via the KEMRI Graduate School (Deadline: April 11, 2025)
Capacity Building
- IDeAL (Initiative to Develop African Research Leaders): Builds research capacity across Africa
- Offers regional workshops like Whole Genome Sequencing Training
Market Contribution
KEMRI research influences:
- National health policies, such as emergency treatment protocols (ETAT)
- Biotech and pharma innovation, supporting local production of diagnostic kits and treatments
Financial Overview and Performance
Revenue and Funding
KEMRI generates approximately $13.34 million in sales, primarily from:
- Government support
- Global foundations (e.g., Gates Foundation, Wellcome Trust)
- Multilateral aid organizations
Staff Strength
- 4,000+ employees
- 100+ senior researchers and 700+ support staff at KWTRP
Recognition
Praised by President William Ruto in May 2024 during a U.S. state visit for its leadership in health innovation, especially its co-development of a malaria vaccine in partnership with the CDC and NIH.
Competitors and Market Position
Key Competitors
- National Institute of Medical Research (Tanzania)
- Noguchi Memorial Institute (Ghana)
- Local private sector and university research units
Market Position
KEMRI stands out for:
- Its government mandate
- Extensive infrastructure and staffing
- Global partnerships for resource mobilization and tech transfer
Challenges and Opportunities
Challenges
- Inconsistent funding for large-scale research projects
- Public trust and ethical oversight in clinical trials
Opportunities
- Expanding into climate and NCD-related health research
- Strengthening intellectual property and commercialization of innovations
- Leadership in emerging health crises, such as antimicrobial resistance and zoonotic diseases
Future Outlook
Research Expansion
Expect continued work in:
- NCDs
- Climate-linked diseases
- Innovative vaccine and diagnostic development
Capacity Building
- More MSc/PhD offerings
- Stronger regional training initiatives
Policy Influence
- Shaping Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) goals
- Driving regional leadership in eradicating neglected tropical diseases (NTDs)
KEMRI Careers in Kenya Application & Conclusion
KEMRI has established itself as a bedrock of scientific excellence and public health advancement in Kenya and Africa at large. Through innovation, partnerships, and training, the institute has not only influenced policy but improved millions of lives.
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Whether you’re a job seeker, researcher, or stakeholder in the health space, KEMRI remains a top institution to watch—and to join.
Explore Careers in Kenya or research opportunities at www.kemri.go.ke
For inquiries: Email: director@kemri.go.ke
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