Nairobi County, KEMRI sign agreement to boost healthcare and disease surveillance

The five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) sets out a framework for collaboration on human health research, clinical trials, disease monitoring, and capacity building across county health facilities.

Governor Johnson Sakaja said the partnership will enable health decisions to be based on evidence rather than assumptions, strengthening Nairobi’s ability to prevent and respond to public health threats.

“Through this collaboration, we will detect diseases early and respond on time,” he said.

A key component of the agreement is the establishment of Nairobi’s first urban health research institute alongside an Urban Disease Surveillance Hub. The initiative is expected to improve early detection and response to infectious diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and other emerging infections, potentially reducing the risk of outbreaks escalating.

The MoU also emphasizes broader public health research, including maternal and child health, nutrition, and environmental health. County health facilities and communities will serve as research sites, while KEMRI will provide technical expertise, diagnostics support, and training for healthcare workers.

Research outcomes will guide interventions on water quality, sanitation, and nutrition, supporting Nairobi Water and the county’s flagship school feeding programme, Dishi na County. Data from the county’s Health Intelligence Unit will be leveraged to identify gaps in service delivery and evaluate interventions.

The partnership further provides for joint public health campaigns, shared laboratory infrastructure, and collaborative resource mobilization across all 17 sub-counties. Officials say the agreement will strengthen disease preparedness, advance universal health coverage, and translate research into practical solutions for residents.

The MoU takes effect immediately and will remain in force for five years, with the option for renewal.