KEMRI research, training center to cost Sh. 15 billion

Kerugoya,

Wednesday, September 27, 2023

KNA by Mutai Kipngetich

The Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) Project in Wamumu, Mwea, Kirinyaga County which had stalled for a long time has resumed and its development is in progress. 

The project which is estimated to cost Sh.15 billion will sit on within the 100 acres land.

 Speaking to the County Implementation and Management Committee, Dr. Esther Matu, Deputy Director Center for Community Driven Research, Kirinyaga said they have acquired title deed which was the main dispute and constructed a perimeter wall around their land.

 KEMRI mission is to improve human health and quality of life through research, capacity building, innovation and service delivery.

 Dr. Matu said the state of the art facility will include administration block at cost of Sh. 1 billion, research and training, Sh5 billion, Research and teaching hospital, Sh3 billion, post graduate university, Sh2 billion, and manufacturing plant for large scale commercial production of diagnostics kits and other biological reagents, Sh4 billion bringing total cost to Sh15 billion. 

 Upon completion the facility will seek to address local specific research agenda, specialized diagnostics, clinical services, post graduate training programmes and manufacturing of health products within Kirinyaga and central region. 

 “The services will include specific research, specialized diagnostics, training, clinical and manufacturing of health products,” Dr. Matu noted. 

 She said the construction of KEMRI was informed by the unique disease burden in the region that required special attention and expressed optimism that the postgraduate research will establish its own chartered campus in future. 

 “We have a unique disease burden in the region that informed construction of the KEMRI. We hope to develop a fully campus and get a charter, " she stated. 

 The liaison offices have been fully constructed to help in seeking for development partners. She acknowledged the support from the county commissioner’s office as well as county government. 

She noted the Kirinyaga Water and Sanitation Company has ensured constant supply of water despite challenges of connection within the area. 

 She added that given the process of procurement sometimes takes longer, they have started procuring laboratory equipment. Dr. Matu assured the committee and public that by July next year the facility will be operational. 

 “We should be operational by July next year so our collective efforts are important,” he said.

 Nayioma Tobiko, Kirinyaga County Commissioner, urged Dr. Matu to seek any support from all departments because the KEMRI will not serve specific people. 

 “KEMRI doesn’t belong to anybody, when you are called upon to assist please do. It is our facility and for future generations, " he added. 

Courtesy; KNA