KEMRI Charts Future of Vaccine Manufacturing and Health Innovation at 16th KASH Conference
Nairobi, February 11, 2026 – Kenya has renewed its push for homegrown health solutions as the 16th KEMRI Annual Scientific and Health Research Conference brings together scientists, policymakers and industry leaders to shape the future of healthcare.
The conference, popularly known as KASH, focuses on advancing scientific research, innovation, technology and local manufacturing to drive resilient Universal Health Coverage.
Dr. Damaris Maweu, Chair of the Scientific, Research and Innovations Committee (SRIC) and Board Director at the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), said the meeting comes at a defining moment for the country’s health sector.
“It is my great honour to welcome you to the 16th KEMRI Annual Scientific and Health Research Conference,” she said. “This theme aligns firmly with Kenya Vision 2030 and the national Science, Technology and Innovation policy, which recognize research, innovation and local manufacturing as key drivers of health security and sustainable development.”
Dr. Maweu emphasized that KEMRI continues to position research at the centre of national development. She said the institute uses the KASH conference as a strategic platform to generate evidence, develop new technologies and translate scientific findings into policy and practice.
Through the annual gathering, KEMRI strengthens collaboration among researchers, government agencies, private sector players and development partners. These linkages, she noted, ensure that scientific outputs respond directly to Kenya’s priorities while contributing to regional and global health goals.
This year’s conference has drawn 405 abstract submissions, a clear sign of the growing strength of health research in Kenya and beyond. Organizers have structured the programme into 34 scientific sessions and 22 symposia, offering a rich platform for knowledge exchange and innovation.
“The submission of 405 abstracts reflects the growing strength and relevance of health research in Kenya and beyond,” Dr. Maweu said on behalf of the Board through the SRIC.
A major highlight of the conference is a pre-conference dialogue on local vaccine manufacturing. The discussions focus on financing, regulatory preparedness, quality assurance, market shaping and supply chain resilience.
Dr. Maweu said the dialogue underscores the urgent need to align research and innovation with Kenya’s industrialization agenda. Strengthening local manufacturing capacity, she added, will reduce reliance on imports and accelerate progress toward Universal Health Coverage.
As African countries push for greater self-reliance in health technologies, KEMRI aims to move research beyond laboratories into scalable production and sustainable systems.
Dr. Maweu also thanked partners and sponsors for their continued support, alongside the KEMRI Board of Directors, management, researchers, reviewers and the KASH Organizing Committee for their dedication to scientific excellence.
“I sincerely acknowledge our partners and sponsors for their continued support,” she said. “I wish you a successful and impactful conference.”
With strong participation and bold conversations around innovation and manufacturing, the 16th KASH Conference cements KEMRI’s role as a driving force in Kenya’s journey toward a resilient, research-led health system.
