Prof Muregi is a principle investigator in the project

Kenyan-based Mount Kenya University and Japan-based Osaka City University have jointly won a USD 4.5 (Kshs 450 million) grant from Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for malaria research.

The funds provided under Science and Technology Research Partnership for Sustainable Development (SATREPS) will be deployed for research on malaria prevalence in Homa Bay, Kenya, a project that will last for five years.

The research will be implemented in collaboration with Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) who will handle vector related agenda and capacity development as well as the Ministry of Health through the National Malaria Control Division and Homa Bay County through their Ministry of Health.

Prof Francis Muregi will represent Mount Kenya University as the principal investigator while the Japanese side is represented by Prof Akira Kaneko.

According to Dr. Gitaka, the University’s Director of Grants and Development,  their research will develop strategies to help eliminate malaria in Homa Bay County with findings replicated in other counties.

Of the 450 million, Osaka City University will get Sh150 million and Mt Kenya University Sh300 million from the JICA funding. Sh100 million of the MKU funds will go towards establishing a Centre for Malaria Elimination at Mt Kenya University which will be operational in the next six months.

The partnership between Mount Kenya University and Osaka City University will also allow an exchange program between the two institutions of learning in collaborative research capacity building.

The grant comes at a moment when MKU has been racing to strengthen its medical school in a market where job seekers are increasingly looking at science-based courses to enhance their chances of employment.

A recent report by the Medical and Dental Practitioner’s boards and councils across East Africa recently rated the university top in offering medical courses.

Photo courtesy / Google

Article by Jedidah Mwangi

https://www.mku.ac.ke/index.php/2014-02-03-10-11-08/latest-news?limitstart=0

 

 

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Article by Jedidah Mwangi