The Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) has been allocated land by the county government of Uasin Gishu to construct a KEMRI centre and a vaccine manufacturing factory.
KEMRI Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Prof. Elijah Songok said they have already been shown the land in Kapsoiya to put up a KEMRI branch and another for the construction of a vaccine factory they will undertake with its sister Vaccine manufacturing institution, Kenya BioVax.
Speaking in Eldoret, Prof. Songok said KEMRI will take over Kapsoiya hospital as its research hospital for the vaccines. “We shall improve facilities at the hospital so that it can be upgraded to a level four hospital for medical research,” said Songok.
Prof. Songok added that in addition to being a research facility, the hospital will also provide medical services to the residents of Uasin Gishu.
The CEO said the government has secured funding from the government of Korea to establish the factory that will manufacture vaccines for Kenya and export.
“We have already commenced feasibility studies for the construction of the factory, and once done the project will start,” said Songok.
The construction of the KEMRI centre and the factory will go a long way towards creating employment in the county. The recent elevation of Eldoret to city status will also enable us to attract collaborators and partners, he added.
By Kipanui Cherono
