Kenya launches new polio lab to boost regional virus surveillance
The facility will serve as both a national and inter-country reference laboratory, providing critical support in polio diagnostics and surveillance across the region.
A new polio laboratory has been launched at the Kenya Medical Research Institute’s Centre for Virus Research (KEMRI), with support from the World Health Organisation (WHO), to boost virus diagnostics and genomic surveillance, the monitoring of viruses at the genetic level, to help detect outbreaks quickly in Kenya and its neighbors, including Somalia, Djibouti, Eritrea, and Comoros.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale officially inaugurated the facility, describing it as a key milestone in advancing Kenya’s health security and compliance with the International Health Regulations.
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The facility will serve as both a national and inter-country reference laboratory, providing critical support in polio diagnostics and surveillance across the region.
The laboratory is backed by the WHO in partnership with the Gates Foundation, eHealth Africa, the Ministry of Health, and other development partners.
Dr. Abdourahmane Diallo, WHO Representative in Kenya, highlighted the facility’s importance, saying it will strengthen surveillance for polio and other vaccine-preventable diseases while supporting rapid outbreak response.
“This laboratory is a cornerstone for protecting children from the devastating effects of polio. It strengthens our surveillance capacity, not only for polio but also for measles, rubella, and other vaccine-preventable diseases. With this facility, Kenya is better prepared to detect outbreaks early and respond decisively,” said Diallo.
The laboratory also plays a critical role in cross-border surveillance in the Horn of Africa, a region at high risk for poliovirus spread.
"Though anchored in polio eradication, the lab is already functioning as a multi-pathogen genomic platform, sequencing Mpox, measles, rubella, and enteric viruses, boosting preparedness against future health threats," said the Ministry of Health.
The launch is part of broader efforts by the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), which in 2024 trained over 800 health professionals in outbreak investigation, GIS mapping, and laboratory practices across Africa.
In Kenya, vaccination campaigns continue to reach children in nomadic, peri-urban, and cross-border communities, with the latest round protecting nearly one million children.
Kenya has not reported cases of circulating variant poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) in the past 15 months. Officials say that the strengthened laboratory capacity and continued surveillance will help sustain this progress, ensuring rapid detection and response to any potential resurgence.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Dr. Elijah Songok, Acting Director General of KEMRI; Dr. Abdullahi Ali, Chairperson of the KEMRI Board; PS Dr. Ouma Oluga; Health DG Dr. Patrick Amoth; and Dr. Abdourahmane Diallo, among other partners.
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