The Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) has announced a groundbreaking Ksh516 million programme designed to revolutionize women’s health research and innovation across Africa.

The initiative, known as the Leadership for Innovation and Excellence in Accelerating Research on Women’s Health (LEA-WH) Programme, is funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and will run for three years, officially commencing in January 2026.

According to KEMRI, the LEA-WH Programme aims to empower a new generation of African scientists and innovators to design homegrown solutions addressing the health issues that disproportionately affect women.

The institute stated that the project will “strengthen Africa’s research leadership in women’s health by mentoring a new generation of scientists and innovators to develop locally driven solutions.”

The initiative also seeks to promote locally led research, support scalable innovations, and advance evidence-based policies tailored to Africa’s unique health priorities.

Commitment to Inclusive and African-Led Innovation

Speaking during the launch, KEMRI Director General, Prof. Elijah Songok, emphasized the institution’s dedication to nurturing African-led innovation.

“The LEA-WH Programme represents KEMRI’s continued commitment to building scientific leadership that is inclusive, innovative, and African-led,” said Prof. Songok.

He added that “by empowering scientists to lead groundbreaking research and innovation, we are investing in the future of Africa’s health and development.”

Also Read:KRA Announces 8-Hour Scheduled System Maintenance

Programme Targets and Expected Outcomes

Under the initiative, KEMRI envisions supporting between five and ten innovative products through market testing, up to ten startups, and several patent applications.

Additionally, the programme aims for 20–50 percent of its scholars to secure research and development grants.

The project also intends to catalyze between Ksh386 million and Ksh643 million in additional funding for innovation and research, boosting Africa’s capacity for health-related discoveries.

Building a Platform for Collaboration

An annual ScienceX Africa Summit will be organized to provide a collaborative space for mentorship, partnership, and the exchange of ideas among health innovators.

The programme will also work closely with the United States National Academy of Medicine to implement a specialized fellowship component that nurtures leadership in health innovation.

Also Read:White House Slams Nobel Committee for Overlooking Trump in Peace Prize

Creating a Thriving Ecosystem for African Innovators

Prof. Elizabeth Anne Bukusi, the Programme Director, underscored the initiative’s goal of building a self-sustaining ecosystem for innovation in women’s health.

“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,” she said.

KEMRI Boss Professor Elijah Songok. PHOTO/ Nation.