KEMRI Receives Ksh516M from Gates Foundation to Transform Women’s Health Research

African women’s health is getting a major boost with a new initiative from the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI).

The three-year programme, Leadership for Innovation and Excellence in Accelerating Research on Women’s Health (LEA-WH), will receive Ksh 516 million in funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and is set to begin in January 2026.

LEA-WH is designed to mentor African scientists and help them create practical solutions for women’s health challenges—areas that have often been underfunded or overlooked.

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

Adding;

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

Through the programme, KEMRI plans to bring five to ten innovations to market testing by 2033. It will also support up to ten startups, file multiple patent applications, and help 20 to 50 per cent of participants secure research grants.

Additional funding of between Ksh 386 million and Ksh 643 million is expected to support ongoing research projects.

KEMRI says the initiative further strengthens its position as a regional hub for African-led health research and innovation.

An annual ScienceX Africa Summit will also be held, bringing together researchers, innovators, and policy leaders to share ideas, build partnerships, and mentor the next generation of health professionals.

“Our vision is to cultivate a vibrant ecosystem where African researchers and innovators lead in developing transformative solutions for women’s health,” Elizabeth Anne Bukusi, the Programme Director, said.

The programme will partner with the US National Academy of Medicine to offer fellowships and leadership training. Oversight will be provided by the LEA-WH Advisory Council, chaired by Songok, and including Bukusi, Martin Bundi (Curriculum Development), Nelly Mugo (Research and Development and Technical Training), and Rose Bosire (Leadership Development).