The Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) has launched a Ksh.516 million initiative to revolutionize women’s health research and innovation across Africa, with funding support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
The three-year programme, titled Leadership for Innovation and Excellence in Accelerating Research on Women’s Health (LEA-WH), will officially begin in January 2026.
It aims to strengthen Africa’s research leadership in women’s health by mentoring a new generation of scientists and innovators to develop locally driven, scalable solutions to health challenges that disproportionately affect women.
According to KEMRI, the LEA-WH Programme will foster African-led scientific excellence through mentorship, innovation, and evidence-based policy development. It will also promote locally led research while supporting startups and innovations that can be adapted to the continent’s diverse health needs.
“The LEA-WH Programme represents KEMRI’s continued commitment to building scientific leadership that is inclusive, innovative, and African-led,” said Prof. Elijah Songok, KEMRI Director General.
“By empowering scientists to lead groundbreaking research and innovation, we are investing in the future of Africa’s health and development.”
Through the initiative, KEMRI plans to bring five to ten innovative products to market testing, support up to ten startups, facilitate several patent applications, and enable 20–50 percent of programme scholars to secure research and development grants.
The programme also aims to catalyze between Ksh.386 million and Ksh.643 million in additional funding for innovation and research.
An annual ScienceX Africa Summit will provide a platform for mentorship, collaboration, and knowledge exchange among scientists and innovators.
Additionally, a fellowship component will be implemented in collaboration with the United States National Academy of Medicine.
“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,” said Prof. Elizabeth Anne Bukusi, the Programme Director.
The LEA-WH Programme will be overseen by an Advisory Council chaired by Prof. Songok and supported by three specialized departments: Curriculum Development led by Dr. Martin Bundi, Research and Development and Technical Training headed by Prof. Nelly Mugo, and Leadership Development under Dr. Rose Bosire.
KEMRI emphasized that the initiative marks a significant step toward advancing gender-responsive healthcare innovations and establishing Africa as a global hub for women’s health research leadership.
Source: Citizen Digital
Written By Rodney Mbua
