OKANIWA: Kemri embodies Japan-Kenya partnership

2023 marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Kenya. In the long history of relations between the two countries, there are many stories of friendship and cooperation.

One of these involves the Kenya Medical Research Institute (Kemri), the Kenyan government’s medical research agency, and our collaboration in the health sector. On October 30, I will issue the Ambassador’s Certificate of Commendation to Kemri in recognition of his outstanding contributions to improving the health of the Kenyan people and promoting friendship and cooperation between Japan and Kenya.

Japan’s cooperation with Kemri began in 1979. Since then, Japan’s cooperation with Kemri has continued for more than 40 years. Kemri-Jica collaboration in health research and development takes many forms – technical collaboration, capacity building and grant assistance.

Our support for laboratory construction, medical equipment supply and professional training amounted to approximately 7 billion yen (approximately 7 billion shillings), helping the institution develop into one of Africa’s leading health research centers.

After establishing the necessary infrastructure, aggressive investments are made in key human resources to drive the growth of the premier institution.

Kemri’s research has since contributed to reducing the incidence of infectious diseases such as diarrhea, hepatitis and HIV, as well as parasitic diseases such as malaria, schistosomiasis (also known as schistosomiasis) and jig infections.

As demonstrated through viral analysis and surveillance during the Covid-19 pandemic, whenever a disease outbreak occurs, the agency is among the first to respond. Our collaboration focuses on developing new leaders in controlling infectious diseases.

We provide training opportunities for Kemri research scientists in Japan through PhD and Master’s degree programs as well as short courses. The country’s first biosafety level 3 facility (P3 laboratory) was established in Kemri in 1997. It has contributed significantly to the development of hepatitis and HIV-1 test kits made in Kenya.

In terms of training, Kemri has played a leading role in building the capacity of infectious disease research and control institutions in the region. In 2001, Kemri established the International Center for Parasite Control in Eastern and Southern Africa, a regional center for capacity-building in infectious diseases and parasite control under the Hashimoto Initiative announced by Japanese Prime Minister Hashimoto during the 1998 G8 Summit.

In the 2000s, Kemri launched the first Third Country Training Program (TCTP) on blood safety (2001-2005) with funding from Japan, and later the TCTP on parasite control in schools (2004-2008). Currently, KEMRI is implementing TCTP to strengthen laboratory capabilities to enhance the East African region’s ability to respond to public health emergencies.

Another successful example of Kemri-Jica collaboration is the Sustainable Development Science and Technology Research Partnership (SATREPS) project from 2012 to 2017. The project, with a budget of 361 million yen (or Sh361 million), aims to develop rapid diagnostic tests and establish an alert system for outbreaks of zoonotic diseases such as yellow fever and Rift Valley fever.

Rapid diagnostic tests for both diseases were developed in collaboration between Japanese and Kenyan researchers. The advanced, fast and accurate reference system is now in place and operational at the Kemri headquarters and Kemri-Alupe in Busia County.

Japan’s involvement in Kemri is not limited to the government level. In 1979, the Institute of Tropical Medicine of Nagasaki University sent a professor to Kemri in its early days to serve as the leader of the Jica group. Since then, Nagasaki University has established an office in the Kemri campus, where its researchers conduct various research activities.

In addition, Nagasaki University continues to accept Kemri’s doctoral students every year. Kemri’s outstanding researchers earned their PhDs from Nagasaki University and are currently conducting and advancing cutting-edge biomedical research in Kenya.

There is no doubt that the collaboration between Japanese and Kenyan researchers has fostered strong bonds of friendship. Many Kemri researchers studying in Japan are big fans of Japan and maintain personal connections. Young Japanese students who participated in the field trip have special feelings for Kenya.

By promoting the health of its people, Kemri’s activities contribute to economic growth in Kenya and Africa. I sincerely hope that our cooperation can continue for many years.