Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)

Established through the Science and Technology (Amendment) Act of 1979 and officially opened on 5th November 1979, the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) is Kenya's premier health research institution. The KEMRI Graduate School (KGS), established in 1992, trains postgraduate students in health research, partnering with JKUAT since 2003 to offer MSc and PhD degrees.

KEMRI operates from its Mbagathi Road headquarters in Nairobi, with research centres including the KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme in Kilifi and the Centre for Global Health Research in Kisumu. Over 555 Masters and 118 PhD students have graduated, with over 2,000 students enrolled since inception.

Accredited by CUE, KEMRI ranks 5th nationally and is working towards its own university charter. It produces over 200 peer-reviewed publications annually, with research focusing on infectious diseases, malaria, HIV/AIDS, and emerging health threats that directly inform national health policy.

KEMRI is Kenya's leading health research institution, producing over 200 peer-reviewed publications annually, with focus on infectious diseases, malaria, HIV/AIDS, and emerging health threats. The Centre for Virus Research conducts research on viral diseases including arboviruses, haemorrhagic fevers, and respiratory viruses, while the Centre for Biotechnology Research and Development investigates molecular biology, genomics, and diagnostic technologies. The Centre for Clinical Research advances research on clinical trials, epidemiology, and therapeutic interventions. The KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme in Kilifi is internationally renowned for research on malaria, neonatal health, and genetic susceptibility to infectious diseases, supporting scientific leadership development in Kenya through structured internship and degree programmes. Partnership with the Wellcome Trust, CDC Kenya, and the Ministry of Health supports collaborative research on public health interventions, disease surveillance, and health systems strengthening. The KGS offers over 20 MSc and PhD programmes across Public Health, Biomedical Sciences, and Medicinal Chemistry. Research output directly informs national health policy, disease control programmes, and clinical practice across Kenya and the African region.

Admission to KEMRI Graduate School requires a relevant Bachelor's degree for MSc and relevant Master's for PhD. Programmes offered jointly with JKUAT.