By Job Okoth
Kenya has officially commissioned an upgraded poliovirus detection laboratory at the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), a development expected to significantly boost the country’s capacity for early detection, confirmation, and response to polio and other epidemic-prone diseases.
The state-of-the-art facility, fitted with advanced molecular diagnostic platforms and enhanced biosafety standards, is designed to serve as a foundation for a broader multi-pathogen platform capable of detecting additional threats such as mpox, measles, rubella, and other emerging pathogens. The upgrade is expected to greatly accelerate outbreak response time and reinforce regional surveillance networks.
Aden Duale, Health Cabinet Secretary, described the lab as a cornerstone not only for Kenya but for the whole region’s public health security.
“This lab is a foundation for a broader multipathogen platform to detect even other epidemics and pandemics like mpox, measles and rubella. It will accelerate outbreak response times and establish Kenya as a regional leader in polio research and surveillance,” said Duale.
He emphasized that the Ministry of Health is committed to maintaining the highest operational standards at the facility.
“KEMRI is now recognized as a department of national importance and will receive a fair share of the national budget. This project is fully aligned with the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda and will create job opportunities for young scientists and laboratory professionals,” said Duale.
The new facility is expected to serve not just Kenya but also other countries, including Comoros, Ethiopia, Somalia, Eritrea, and Sudan, by providing laboratory support for polio surveillance and confirmation of cases. This cross-border approach is seen as crucial in a region where population movement can complicate disease tracking and control.
By offering timely diagnostic services, the lab will enhance regional coordination and help countries respond faster to outbreaks before they escalate into public health emergencies. Experts say this positions Kenya as a centre of excellence for disease surveillance in Africa and beyond.
Dr. Elijah Songok, Acting KEMRI Director General, expressed gratitude to the Health Ministry and development partners for their support.
“We are grateful to the Ministry of Health, the World Health Organization (WHO), and all partners who contributed to this development. This laboratory will enhance our efforts in ensuring the well-being of our children,” he said.
Kenya has played a key role in the African region’s fight against polio, hosting regional laboratory services and participating in continent-wide vaccination campaigns that led to Africa being certified free of indigenous wild poliovirus in 2020. However, the threat of vaccine-derived poliovirus remains, and experts warn that high-quality surveillance remains essential to prevent re-emergence.
The new KEMRI facility strengthens Kenya’s contribution to the global effort to eradicate polio once and for all. By integrating multipathogen testing, it also expands the country’s preparedness for future outbreaks.
In a symbolic gesture following the official inauguration, Duale led a tree-planting ceremony within the KEMRI grounds, reinforcing the government’s commitment to pairing scientific progress with sustainability
Public health officials say the upgraded facility will shorten the time taken to detect and confirm cases, allowing for rapid deployment of response teams and targeted vaccination campaigns. It is also expected to serve as a training hub for laboratory personnel across the region, strengthening overall capacity for epidemic preparedness.
By combining modern molecular tools, partner support, and government commitment, Kenya has set a new benchmark for regional surveillance laboratories. The success of the initiative, however, will depend on continued investment, timely procurement of reagents, and sustained collaboration with neighboring countries to maintain high-quality surveillance data.
