On June 19, 2021, the Parliamentary Committee on Health led by Ndiwa Member of Parliament Martin Owino toured the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) in Kilifi.
During the tour, Owino emphasized the need for KEMRI to be allocated Ksh 50 billion annually to support scientific research in the country.
He noted that KEMRI, a crucial government institution, has been underfunded for years, relying heavily on donor funding.
Owino stated that KEMRI is a hub of experts with long-term experience and passion in research, which, if well-funded, could help prevent diseases that could be dangerous.
He added that the previous year, Ksh 2.27 billion was allocated for the financial year 2021, and the amount was increased to Ksh 2.9 billion for the next financial year.
According to Owino, KEMRI has played a major role during the pandemic period, including producing facilities such as sanitizers and masks that were previously imported.
He also stated that KEMRI was ranked number eight in Africa and had the potential to do more, hence the push for additional funding.
Currently, there are 200 researchers to one million people in Kenya, compared to 5000 researchers to one million people in the developed world.
At the KEMRI centre, genomic sequencing of the Covid-19 vaccine is being conducted, with phase 2 vaccine trials already underway.
Daniel Mbinda, Chairman of KEMRI's Board of Management, emphasized the importance of research in health, stating that it capacitates other sectors of the economy and disease surveillance is a multi-sectorial activity.
He added that their aim is to ensure they concentrate on the surveillance of diseases as diseases move with the people.
Mbinda also stated that they currently do not have the capacity to cover the whole country but plan to reach out to border points, which are crucial areas where animals and people move with diseases.
On his part, Acting Director-General KEMRI Joseph Mwangangi said KEMRI researchers are working hard to find a vaccine for Covid-19.
Mwangangi appealed to the government to give enough support, as finding and developing a vaccine is an expensive venture.
Lamu Woman Representative Ruweida Mohamed said they will advocate for the government to increase funding for research at KEMRI.
She emphasized the need for the institution to reach areas, including Lamu, which is experiencing mega projects such as the Lapsset project, attracting mass movement of people from all over the globe who could bring diseases into the country.
