The Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) officially opened the 15th KEMRI Annual Scientific and Health Conference (KASH) in Nairobi, bringing together researchers, policymakers, and health practitioners to discuss innovations shaping Kenya’s health sector.
The four-day conference, running from February 11th to 14th , 2025, is themed “Research, Technology, and Innovation for Sustainable Health Systems: A Community-Driven Agenda,” serves as a platform for scientific dialogue, knowledge exchange, and the translation of research findings into policy and practice.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mary Muthoni, Permanent Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards, lauded KASH for fostering partnerships and driving innovation in Kenya’s healthcare sector.
“KEMRI has remained a cornerstone of Kenya’s health sector, contributing significantly to research, innovation, and evidence-based solutions that address the health challenges facing our country,” Muthoni said. “Through innovative research and transformative initiatives, KEMRI ensures that evidence informs policy and practice, thereby improving health outcomes for our people.”
KASH is a flagship initiative of KEMRI aimed at disseminating and applying research findings to enhance evidence-based decision-making. Dr. Abdullahi Ali Ibrahim, Chairman of KEMRI’s Board of Directors, emphasized the forum’s critical role in shaping national health policies.
“KASH, alongside the African Journal of Health Sciences, fosters dialogue among scientists, healthcare practitioners, and development partners,” said Dr. Ibrahim. “The insights and recommendations coming from this conference will play a critical role in strengthening our healthcare system through research-driven solutions.”
A key highlight of the conference was the launch of KEMRI’s Strategic Plan 2023-2027, a blueprint designed to redefine the institute’s strategic focus. The plan prioritizes six key areas: human health, innovation and product development, disease surveillance and response, research capacity building, financial sustainability, and institutional strengthening.
“This year’s conference is particularly significant as we launch a strategic document and several scientific initiatives, including the KEMRI Strategic Plan 2023-2027, which charts our course for advancing research excellence and improving healthcare outcomes in the country,” a statement from KEMRI read.
Prof. Elijah Songok, Acting Director of KEMRI, also announced the unveiling of the Precision Medicine Kenya Committee, a think tank led by Dr. Ouma Oluga, which will spearhead personalized medicine research and applications in Kenya.
“Precision medicine will drive research and application, with the technical committee think tank facilitating thought leadership and collaborative engagement,” said Prof. Songok.
According to Dr. Ceciliah Mbae, Chair of KASH, this year’s conference has seen increased participation from county representatives, international delegates, and over 200 exhibitors showcasing cutting-edge health innovations.
“KASH serves as a premier platform for knowledge exchange, bringing together researchers, policymakers, healthcare practitioners, and industry leaders from across the globe,” Dr. Mbae stated.
The 2025 conference has attracted 330 abstract submissions from participants across Kenya and internationally, including Uganda, the USA, India, Japan, the Netherlands, and Rwanda. It will feature 29 parallel oral sessions, 43 poster presentations, and 11 symposia covering critical topics such as digital health, universal health coverage, research innovation, intellectual property rights, and research integrity.
To nurture emerging researchers, the conference will host specialized young investigator sessions with 30 selected abstracts, and the top three will be competitively awarded.
