The National Assembly has approved a motion granting a charter to the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), paving the way for its elevation into a specialised degree-awarding institution focused on advanced human health research.

The motion, moved by Gichugu MP  Hon. Robert Gichimu, sought the House’s approval of the Draft Charter in line with Section 24(1) of the Universities Act.

Hon.  Gichimu told MPs that the proposed charter would position KEMRI as a strategic national institution mandated to spearhead specialised biomedical research, postgraduate training, and innovation. He said the move was informed by lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, which exposed gaps in local capacity for vaccine development and disease response.

“This initiative is informed by national priorities, including lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, which underscored the need for enhanced local capacity,” he said.

The Committee on Delegated Legislation in its report confirmed that the draft charter complied with constitutional and statutory requirements, having undergone review by the Attorney-General and accreditation by the Commission for University Education.

Kilgoris MP,  Hon. Julius Sunkuli noted that the elevation of KEMRI would help Kenya retain scientific talent and reduce reliance on foreign institutions.

“KEMRI is going to play a very important role in human research… looking at the incidence of disease, the cause of disease, how it is handled and prevented,” Hon. Sunkuli said.

Debate on the floor reflected broad bipartisan support, with lawmakers emphasising the need to align research with local health challenges. Ndhiwa MP, Hon.  Martin Owino said the charter would enhance the institute’s autonomy and global competitiveness.

“This Motion will enable the institution to become autonomous and coordinate and promote human research,” he said, adding that it would also strengthen Kenya’s push towards Universal Health Coverage.

Health Committee Chair and Seme MP, Hon. James Nyikal underscored the centrality of research in university systems, arguing that KEMRI was already operating at an advanced level but lacked the legal mandate to award degrees.

“The training has been conducted at KEMRI, but they cannot award degrees, they have to look for other universities,” he said.

Lawmakers also raised concerns about underfunding and external dependence in research, warning that without adequate local investment, Kenya risks losing control over its scientific output.

Tetu MP, Hon. Geoffrey Wandeto said the charter would help reverse the trend. “We need to start doing our own research and developing our own products,” he said.

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