Kemri launches Sh516m scholarship to support women scientists

Prof Elizabeth bukusi

The Kenya Medical Research Institute (Kemri) has announced a Sh516 million ($4 million) initiative to strengthen women’s health research and leadership across Africa.

The Leadership for Innovation and Excellence in Accelerating Research on Women’s Health (LEA-WH) is a three-year project, funded through an investment by the Gates Foundation and will start in January.

The institute said the programme seeks to mentor a new generation of African scientists, researchers and innovators to design locally driven solutions for women’s health challenges.

Sub-Saharan Africa, the institute said, continues to bear a high burden of women’s health conditions that are understudied and underfunded.

“The LEA-WH Programme represents Kemri’s continued commitment to building scientific leadership that is inclusive, innovative and African-led,” said Elijah Songok, director general of Kemri.

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

He said the initiative will promote locally led research, support scalable innovations and drive evidence-based solutions tailored to Africa’s unique health needs.

Through the LEA-WH Programme, Kemri hopes to create a sustainable model for excellence in women’s health research.

By 2033, the programme seeks to bring five to 10 innovative products to market testing, support up to 10 startups, facilitate patent applications and help 20–50 per cent of its scholars secure research grants.

It also plans to catalyse $3–5 million (Sh386-643 million) in follow-on funding for innovation and research initiatives.

In addition, the programme will build a continental alumni network and promote a policy environment that encourages innovation and evidence-based decision-making.

An annual ScienceX Africa Summit will provide a platform for mentorship, collaboration and knowledge exchange among Africa’s emerging and established health researchers.

“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,” of LEA-WH programme director Elizabeth Bukasi said.

“This Programme is a bold step towards a more equitable and innovative future for women’s health across the continent.”

The fellowship will be implemented in collaboration with the United States National Academy of Medicine, with oversight from an advisory council chaired by Songok.

Bukusi will lead the programme with support from Martin Bundi (Curriculum Development), Nelly Mugo (research & development and technical training) and Dr Rose Bosire (leadership development)—all senior scientists at Kemri.

The institute described the initiative as part of its broader mission to “advance scientific excellence, promote gender equity in research and champion African-led innovation in health”.

The institute, established in 1979, has grown into one of Africa’s leading centres of excellence in medical research and continues to play a key role in shaping health policy and innovation on the continent.