WRAIR Reviews their Partnership with KEMRI.

KEMRI and WRAIR had a high-level engagement this week to review their future partnership arrangements under the new Other Transaction Agreement for Research commonly referred to as (rOTA) at KEMRI Headquarters, Nairobi.

KEMRI team led by Ag. DG. Dr. Martin Bundi and the WRAIR Team, led by WRAIR Africa Director in Kenya, Colonel Shannon Lacy, meticulously went through the agreement negotiating various articles for the benefit of the two institutions. This agreement will be pivotal in advancing research and development initiatives aimed at enhancing healthcare outcomes in Kenya, particularly in the fields of infectious diseases and public health in the next 10 years. The agreement is expected to be signed off by December this year to pave way for the implementation from January 2025.

Colonel Lacy was accompanied by distinguished high-level technical negotiating team from WRAIR Headquarters in Washington DC who included Rebecca L. Evans, J.D (Acquisition and Fiscal Law Attorney, USAMRDC-DHA), Marlana K. Chapin (Intellectual Property Division, Patent Attorney, USAMRDC-DHA), Col. Julie Ake (Director U.S. Military HIV Research Program (MHRP), WRAIR), LTC Christopher Rickey (WRAIR Africa, Chief of Staff), LTC Eric Ni (WRAIR Africa, Chief of Resource Management), CPT. Juwan Crittenden (WRAIR Africa, Chief Laboratory Officer), and Michael Barasa. KEMRI Negotiating Team comprised of Dr. Rose Bosire (DSPPGM), Dr. Bernhards Ogutu (Chief Research Scientist), Dr. Damaris Matoke Muhia (DD, Biotechnology Programme), Dr. Veronica Manduku (CCR), Florence Mukabane (DCS), Ben Sifuna (DDHR), Marhsen Abud (DDICT), Gaireth Kingi (DD, Finance) Davis Mkoji (DD, Corporate Communications), Shilah Maina (Data Protection), Beverly Murunga (legal) and Jean Kipngetich (DSPPGM).

The recommendations will further optimize the partnership and mitigate potential risks associated with the agreement’s implementation. Both parties underscored the importance of continued cooperation and collaboration in addressing emerging health challenges and fostering scientific advancements.

Colonel Lacy expressed appreciation for the fruitful partnership with KEMRI and reiterated WRAIR’s commitment to supporting healthcare initiatives in the region. Dr. Martin Bundi on his side acknowledged that KEMRI/WRAIR partnership which is the longest with over 45 years has had significant contribution in the health sector as well as advancing medical research and capacity building in Africa. The visit concluded with a reaffirmation of mutual commitment from the two parties to leveraging scientific expertise and resources for the benefit of citizens of both countries and beyond.

The current partnership under the cooperative agreement which is between the United States military research institution (WRAIR) and KEMRI will expire at the end of this year and has made momentous milestone research output that have changed policy in Kenya and beyond as well as combat infectious diseases and promote global health security