By Aron | Safi News
NAIROBI, Kenya – The National Assembly Departmental Committee on Health has thrown its weight behind the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)’s request for an additional Sh500 million to complete the construction of a modern biomedical research complex at the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), saying the facility will significantly strengthen Kenya’s capacity to detect, research and respond to disease outbreaks.
During an inspection tour of the Exchequer-funded project on Wednesday, the committee, led by Seme MP Dr. James Nyikal, praised the progress made and pledged to support KEMRI’s funding request to ensure the project is completed and operationalized.
Dr. Nyikal said the proposed research complex is a strategic national investment that will bolster Kenya’s health research, innovation and emergency preparedness.
“We have seen the progress achieved and appreciate the importance of this facility.
As a committee, we will support efforts to secure the additional funding needed because this project is critical to advancing Kenya’s health research agenda,” he said.
Endebess MP Dr. Robert Pukose, who also serves as Vice-Chairperson of the National Assembly Budget and Appropriations Committee, assured KEMRI that the funding request would receive consideration during the budget allocation process.
He noted that investing in world-class research infrastructure would strengthen the country’s ability to tackle emerging health threats while promoting evidence-based healthcare and innovation.
KEMRI Director General and Acting Vice Chancellor Prof. Elijah Songok told lawmakers that the research complex remains one of the institute’s flagship projects and will enhance Kenya’s ability to respond to infectious diseases through advanced laboratory research and specialized training.
Prof. Songok explained that although the project has been funded through the national budget, an additional Sh500 million is required to complete the remaining works and equip the laboratories.
“The COVID-19 pandemic reminded us why countries must invest in modern research infrastructure. Once completed, these laboratories will strengthen our preparedness against future outbreaks, including diseases such as Ebola,” he said.
According to the KEMRI boss, the facility will house specialized laboratories, research offices and training centres that will support cutting-edge biomedical research while enhancing collaboration with universities, referral hospitals and international research institutions.
He also revealed that KEMRI has successfully developed several locally manufactured health products, including sanitizers and traditional medicines, but said regulatory bottlenecks have slowed their commercialization.
Prof. Songok called for legislative reforms that would enable public research institutions to manufacture and market locally developed innovations, saying this would support the government’s Buy Kenya, Build Kenya agenda and reduce reliance on imported medical products.
“We have developed products that can benefit Kenyans, but there is a need for supportive policies that allow public research institutions to commercialize their innovations for the benefit of the country,” he said.
Members of the Health Committee commended KEMRI for its leading role in medical research, disease surveillance, diagnostics and public health policy, noting that completion of the research complex will further position Kenya as a regional hub for biomedical research and innovation.
The legislators pledged to work closely with relevant parliamentary committees to facilitate the institute’s funding request and ensure the project is completed within the shortest time possible.