The Kenya Medical Research Institute (Kemri) has announced a Sh516 million initiative to nurture women’s scientific leadership and expand research focused on women’s health across Africa.
The three-year programme, called Leadership for Innovation and Excellence in Accelerating Research on Women’s Health (LEA-WH), will begin in January 2026 and is funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Kemri says the initiative aims to mentor African scientists and innovators, equipping them to develop solutions tailored to the continent’s unique women’s health challenges, which remain largely under-researched and underfunded in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Director General Elijah Songok described the programme as part of Kemri’s mission to cultivate African-led and inclusive scientific leadership.
“The LEA-WH Programme represents Kemri’s continued commitment to building scientific leadership that is inclusive, innovative and African-led,” he said. “By empowering scientists to lead groundbreaking research and innovation, we are investing in the future of Africa’s health and development.”
The programme will champion locally driven research, support innovations that can be scaled, and encourage solutions informed by scientific evidence. Kemri aims to create a sustainable framework that promotes long-term excellence in women’s health research.
By 2033, the programme targets bringing five to ten innovative products to market testing, supporting up to ten startups, assisting with patent applications, and helping 20–50 per cent of its fellows secure research grants. It also expects to generate $3–5 million (Sh386–643 million) in additional funding for research and innovation initiatives.
The programme will also establish a network of alumni across Africa and foster policies that promote innovation and evidence-led decision-making.
An annual ScienceX Africa Summit will serve as a platform for mentorship, collaboration, and sharing knowledge among both emerging and established health researchers on the continent.
“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 LEA-WH Programme Director Elizabeth Bukusi.
“This Programme is a bold step towards a more equitable and innovative future for women’s health across the continent.”
The fellowship will be executed in partnership with the United States National Academy of Medicine, with guidance from an advisory council chaired by Songok.
Bukusi will lead the programme team 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.
Kemri describes the initiative as a key part of its broader mission to advance scientific excellence, promote gender equity, and champion African-led innovation in health.
Since its establishment in 1979, Kemri has become a leading medical research institution in Africa and continues to shape health policy and innovation on the continent.