The Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) is set to establish a new research centre in Uasin Gishu.
Speaking at the County Headquarters today, the head of delegation Dr. Abdullahi Ali who is the KEMRI Board chairperson, assured that a budget had already been set aside to ensure that the centre for research is immediately started in Eldoret.
“Being a regional leader in carrying out research in 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 most higher institutions of learning, has a high population and is cosmopolitan. These set precedence for health research,” noted Dr. Ali.
County Secretary Edwin Bett assured the delegation that Governor Dr. Bii’s administration was prepared to give land for the establishment of the research centre as this would benefit the residents immensely.
Central reference point
“We are the central reference point in the medical sector in the Northrift and the Western region as we host the second largest Referral Hospital in Kenya; Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital. We are also host to a big population from the Informal sector including Langas, Huruma, MailiNne, Kapsoya and other highly populated areas which require attention pertaining disease outbreaks such as cholera and Rift Valley fever and more,” noted Bett.
County Executive Committee Member for Lands, Physical Planning, Housing and Urban Development Dr Janeth Kosgei took the team on a site visit of 4 parcels of Public Utilities to identify the best-suited parcel for the project.
“We are keen to see that the research centre is given prioritisation hence we are looking at the best location that meets all its requirements including, a large population area, availability of electricity, sewer connection and road networks,” she noted.
CECM Health Services Serem appreciated the initiative noting the benefits that will come along the project which include the construction of a health facility within the premises.
Also present from KEMRI were Prof. Elijah Songok, County Chief of Staff Nicholas Chepkwony, Chief Officer Joyce Sang, Attorney Stephen Lel, Director Lands Ms Nelly Jerotich and Director Physical Planning Daniel Koech.
