- Kenya has inaugurated a state-of-the-art Expanded Polio Laboratory at KEMRI’s Centre for Virus Research, advancing its role in global health security
- The facility will serve as both a national and regional reference hub for polio and other infectious diseases, boosting outbreak preparedness across East Africa
- Supported by the WHO, the Gates Foundation, and key partners, the lab positions Kenya as a leader in genomic surveillance and resilient health systems
Kenya – Kenya has taken a bold step in reinforcing global and regional health security with the launch of a state-of-the-art Expanded Polio Laboratory at the Centre for Virus Research (CVR), KEMRI.
The facility was officially inaugurated today by Cabinet Secretary for Defence, Hon. Aden Duale, marking a major milestone in advancing the Taifa Care Model, meeting the requirements of the International Health Regulations (IHR), and strengthening the country’s preparedness for future health threats.
A Regional Hub for Disease Surveillance
The expanded laboratory will function as both the National Polio Reference Laboratory and the Inter-country Reference Laboratory for the Horn of Africa region.
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It will serve Kenya and neighbouring countries, Somalia, Djibouti, Eritrea, and Comoros, providing timely polio diagnostics, outbreak surveillance, and advanced genomic sequencing.
By reducing turnaround times for detecting health threats, the lab will play a crucial role in rapid outbreak response and containment.
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This achievement is made possible through the support of key partners, including the World Health Organisation (WHO), the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, eHealth Africa, Kenya’s Ministry of Health, and other development organisations.
The lab also aligns with the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) for Health, which prioritises access to quality health services at the grassroots level.
Beyond Polio: Expanding Genomic Capacity
Although primarily anchored in polio eradication efforts, the facility is already operating as a multi-pathogen genomic platform.
Scientists at KEMRI are now sequencing viruses such as Mpox, measles, rubella, and enteric pathogens, greatly expanding Kenya’s capacity to prepare for and respond to emerging and re-emerging diseases.
Commitment to Universal Health Coverage
The inauguration highlights Kenya’s unwavering commitment to ending polio transmission while simultaneously building resilient, adaptable, and future-ready health systems.
Through investments in advanced genomic surveillance and laboratory infrastructure, the country is strengthening its journey toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and positioning itself as a regional leader in global health security.
Dignitaries in Attendance
The launch was hosted by Dr. Elijah Songok, Acting Director-General of KEMRI, alongside Dr. Abdullahi Ali, Chairperson of the KEMRI Board.
Other distinguished guests included PS Dr. Ouma Oluga, DG Dr. Patrick Amoth, and Dr. Abdourahmane Diallo, the outgoing WHO Country Director, who all reaffirmed their support for Kenya’s leadership in global health initiatives.
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