This archive report was first published on 25 June 2021.
On June 25, 2021, the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) called on Parliament to safeguard locally produced medical products from imports.
Speaking during the launch of KEMRI's products, research scientist Lucy Muita emphasized the importance of supporting local manufacturing to reduce reliance on foreign goods.
"When Covid-19 hit, it dawned on us that over the years we have been relying on imported products," Muita said.
She noted that the lockdown during the pandemic highlighted the need for local production, as the institute was unable to import goods for two weeks.
KEMRI has developed several medical products, including a viral transport medium (VTM), masks, and hand sanitizers, which are being manufactured at its Kilifi centre.
The institute's acting managing director, Prof Simon Kariuki, urged lawmakers to support KEMRI in its efforts to achieve its mandate.
"The parliamentary Committee on Health has continued to support us particularly when it comes to lobbying for funding for research," Kariuki said.
KEMRI has also established itself as a regional quality control centre for malaria, providing support to countries in the region to develop a quality control system for testing the disease.
