Kenya is making remarkable progress in biological research management, positioning itself as a future leader in scientific innovation across Africa.

With a vision to transform the country's research capabilities, Kenya is spearheading the establishment of internationally recognised biobanks that will enhance research quality, diagnostics, and vaccine development.

The Kenya National Accreditation Service (KENAS) is at the forefront of this transformation, helping the country align its research practices with global standards.

By focusing on the storage and management of biological samples, Kenya is setting up a platform for its research findings to be recognised worldwide without the need for re-testing.

Dr. Juma Ong’eti, CEO of KENAS, has emphasised that obtaining biobanking accreditation would position Kenya as a leader in research across Africa, enabling the nation to compete globally with well-established research hubs.

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KENAS is collaborating with the British Standards Institute to provide training for key research institutions such as the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI).

Through a specialised four-day workshop, these institutions are gaining the essential skills needed to upgrade their laboratories to meet international standards, particularly in the crucial area of biological sample storage.

Doris Mueni Mengo, KENAS’s manager for medical labs accreditation, highlighted the significance of this accreditation process.

She pointed out that international accreditation would ensure that Kenya’s research on emerging global diseases, including MPOX and Ebola, as well as advancements in cancer treatments, would be accepted worldwide without the need for re-testing.

This accreditation, she said, would be a major asset for the country.

The creation of biobanks will facilitate the establishment of repositories for biological samples, driving forward crucial research in genomics, drug development, and cancer treatment.

These efforts are set to improve patient care and advance medical services both within Kenya and globally, reinforcing the country’s role in shaping the future of medical research.