Mandera County begins construction of KEMRI Disease Control Centre

Mandera Governor Ali Roba with KEMRI officials during the commissioning of the partnership between the County government and the research institute.

MANDERA—Mandera County government on Tuesday commissioned the construction of sh500 million Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) disease control centre in the region.

The partnership between the county government and KEMRI is set to provide an opportunity to network and advance a shared research agenda and to boost medical expertise in Mandera.

Speaking during the commissioning of the project that was officially handed over to KEMRI officials, Mandera Governor Ali Ibrahim Roba stated that his government in the 2018-2019 budget had injected sh500 million and donated 100 acres of land.

“This partnership with KEMRI will strengthen laboratory workforce development as part of the commitment to achieve sustainable development goals for health through targeted training programs,” he remarked.

Roba also noted that his government has decided to partner in this project with KEMRI, owing to its globally recognized reputation to lay a strong foundation for biomedical research.

“With Mandera positioned at a strategic border with Somalia and its challenges and Ethiopia too, our international scientific advisors have strongly recommended that Mandera invest in clinical research to close this gap between bench and bed and develop more effective prevention and control strategies.” added the governor.

The partnership which is part of vision 2030 upon completion will be expected to provide affordable access to health care, improving the quality of health service delivery to the highest standards for all the Kenyans, more so the three northern counties of Mandera ,Garissa and Wajir.

The Mandera County Governor was accompanied by officials from KEMRI led by Dr. Yeri Kombe- Ag. Director and Lazarus K. Tanui – Board Member among others.