KEMRI Unveils KSh 516 Million Push to Transform Women’s Health Research Across Africa.
By Editorial Team.
Nairobi, October 11, 2025 — Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) has launched a KSh 516 million (USD 4 million) programme that seeks to put African women and African science at the heart of health innovation.
The three-year initiative, known as the Leadership for Innovation and Excellence in Accelerating Research on Women’s Health (LEA-WH) Programme, will begin in January 2026. Funded through a Gates Foundation investment, it aims to equip and mentor a new generation of African scientists to lead groundbreaking research and develop homegrown solutions to challenges that continue to affect millions of women across the continent.
Speaking during the launch, KEMRI Director General Prof. Elijah Songok described the programme as a bold step toward transforming Africa’s health research landscape.
“The LEA-WH Programme represents KEMRI’s continued commitment to building scientific leadership that is inclusive, innovative, and African-led,” said Prof. Songok. “By empowering scientists to lead groundbreaking research and innovation, we are investing in the future of Africa’s health and development.”
For decades, women across Sub-Saharan Africa have faced health challenges from maternal complications to reproductive illnesses that remain under-researched and underfunded. Now, KEMRI hopes to change that narrative by creating opportunities for young African researchers, especially women, to pioneer solutions rooted in local realities.
Through mentorship, research training, and innovation support, the LEA-WH Programme will help bridge the gap between research and real-life health impact. By 2033, KEMRI expects the programme to deliver between 5 and 10 new products for market testing, support up to 10 startups, and facilitate 5 to 10 patent applications. It also aims to ensure that at least 20–50% of its scholars secure research and development grants and attract USD 3–5 million in follow-on funding.
Beyond numbers, the programme seeks to build a culture of collaboration and excellence. To achieve this, KEMRI will launch the ScienceX Africa Summit, an annual platform bringing together emerging and established innovators to share knowledge, mentor one another, and strengthen partnerships across borders.
Programme Director Prof. Elizabeth Anne Bukusi said the initiative is not just about science, but about empowerment and equity.
“Our vision is to cultivate a vibrant ecosystem where African researchers and innovators can lead in designing and implementing transformative solutions for women’s health,” said Prof. Bukusi. “This programme is a bold step toward a more equitable and innovative future for women’s health across the continent.”
The LEA-WH Programme will also collaborate with the United States National Academy of Medicine to run a fellowship programme, creating global mentorship opportunities for African researchers.
To ensure effective implementation, an advisory council chaired by Prof. Songok will provide strategic oversight. Prof. Bukusi will lead the programme with support from senior scientists Dr. Martin Bundi (Curriculum Development), Prof. Nelly Mugo (Research and Technical Training), and Dr. Rose Bosire (Leadership Development).
As Kenya continues to champion science-driven solutions, this initiative positions KEMRI as a continental leader in health research and innovation. Ultimately, it embodies a vision where African women are not only the subjects of health research — but also the scientists leading the discoveries that will change their lives.
