The Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) is on the brink of closure following the government’s decision to exclude medical research funding from its Fiscal Year 2025/26 budget.
This move threatens the livelihoods of approximately 1,000 employees and jeopardises Kenya’s critical health research sector, sparking widespread concern over the future of medical advancements in the country.
The omission of funding for KEMRI, a key institution in Kenya’s public health infrastructure, has been met with alarm from stakeholders across the medical and research communities.
“This decision could cripple our ability to conduct essential research that informs public health policies and interventions,” said a senior KEMRI official, who requested anonymity.
The institute, known for its contributions to combating diseases like HIV, malaria, and tuberculosis, now faces an uncertain future without the necessary financial support.
Compounding the crisis, the government has also slashed funding for HIV, TB, and malaria programmes by 40%, a move that comes amidst a freeze in donor funding.
This reduction poses a severe threat to over 1.3 million Kenyans who rely on free antiretroviral (ARV) drugs, raising the spectre of treatment shortages and a potential surge in infections.
“The cuts are ill-timed and could reverse decades of progress in managing these diseases,” warned a public health expert.
The budget cuts, announced by Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, have drawn sharp criticism from healthcare advocates and opposition leaders.
“This is a shortsighted policy that endangers the health of millions and undermines Kenya’s capacity to respond to future health challenges,” stated an opposition spokesperson during a press briefing on June 15, 2025.
The decision to omit KEMRI funding and reduce allocations for major disease programmes has been attributed to broader fiscal constraints and a reallocation of resources to other priority areas.
However, critics argue that the long-term costs of neglecting health research and disease management far outweigh any short-term savings.
“We are setting the stage for a major health crisis,” said another analyst, pointing to the potential ripple effects on Kenya’s healthcare system and economy.
The situation has also prompted calls for international intervention, with some urging donor agencies to reconsider their funding freeze in light of the emerging crisis.
