The Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) is set to establish a new research centre in Uasin Gishu County.
Speaking at the County Headquarters during a courtesy call, KEMRI Board chairperson, Dr. Abdullahi Ali revealed that a budget has already been set aside to ensure that a research centre is immediately established in Eldoret.
“Being a regional leader in researching human health, we cooperate with other organisations and institutions on research and training. Eldoret is a key component of interest as it stands as a centre for athletics and sports development; hence, issues concerning doping must be considered in research. Eldoret also hosts many institutions of higher learning and has a high cosmopolitan population, factors that set precedence for health research,” said Dr. Ali.
Uasin Gishu County Secretary Edwin Bett, who received the delegation on behalf of the County Governor, Dr. Jonathan Bii, assured them that the county government, under the leadership of Dr. Chelilim, was prepared to give land for the establishment of the research centre, as this would benefit the residents immensely.
“We are the central reference point in the medical sector in the North Rift and Western regions. We host the second largest referral hospital in Kenya, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, MTRH, and also a host to a large population from the Informal sector, including Langas, Huruma, Maili Nne, Kapsoya, and other highly populated areas that require attention to incidences of disease outbreaks such as cholera and Rift Valley fever, among others,” noted Mr. Bett.
County Executive Committee Member for Lands, Physical Planning, Housing, and Urban Development Dr. Janeth Kosgei took the team on a site visit to four parcels of Public Utility plots for the KEMRI team to identify the best-suited parcel for the project.
“We are keen to see that the research centre is given priority; hence, we are looking at the best location that meets all its requirements, including a densely populated site, an area with readily available electricity, sewerage connections, and adequate road networks,” she noted.
CECM Health Services Abraham Serem appreciated the initiative, noting that the benefits that will come along with the research centre will be beneficial to the residents and that the project implementation will include the construction of a health facility within the research institution.
By Kiptanui Cherono
