On July 11th, 2023, a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Nagasaki University and KEMRI (Kenya Medical Research Institute) was signed.
Since the comprehensive agreement between Nagasaki University and KEMRI was established in 2004, various collaborations have taken place, including project agreements between Nagasaki University and the Institute of Tropical Medicine, academic agreements with KEMRI graduate school, and a wide range of academic exchanges involving joint research and the hosting and dispatching of students.
This new MOU consolidates these existing agreements into one comprehensive framework, covering collaborative research and academic exchanges. Present at the ceremony were President Kohno, Director of the Institute of Tropical Medicine, Prof. Osamu Kaneko, Special Advisor to the President and Director of Overseas Bases, and Prof. Koichi Morita, Director of the Infectious Disease Research Dockyard. From the Japanese side, Ambassador Okaniwa, Member of Parliament Kunimitsu Ayano, and others.
Before the MOU signing ceremony, a courtesy visit was paid to Prof. Songok, Director of KEMRI. A commemorative gift was presented during this visit. Prof. Songok expressed gratitude for the cooperation between Nagasaki University and KEMRI in the past and acknowledged the significance of President Kohno’s visit to Kenya.
During the MOU signing ceremony, after introductions of participants from both Nagasaki University and KEMRI, including Prof. Songok and other KEMRI Board Members, words of appreciation were shared. Representatives from KEMRI, including Prof. Songok, expressed gratitude, and on the Japanese side, Ambassador Okaniwa, Member of Parliament Kunimitsu, and President Kohno delivered congratulatory speeches.
Ambassador Okaniwa expressed gratitude for Nagasaki University’s contributions to Kenya, starting from the dispatch of the International Medical Technicians in the early days of Kenya’s independence in the 1960s. He also spoke about the new MOU, emphasizing the anticipation for broad and locally grounded activities in various fields.
Member of Parliament Kunimitsu touched on the activities of Nagasaki University’s Institute of Tropical Medicine in Kenya and other sub-Saharan regions, focusing on infection control efforts, based on the commitments made during Prime Minister Kishida’s visit to Kenya in May. She expressed expectations for ongoing support, especially in neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).
President Kohno emphasized the continuation and enhancement of cooperative efforts in joint research, building on the legacy of the Institute of Tropical Medicine Research. He also looked forward to more active academic exchanges, involving not only joint research but also training for KEMRI researchers, student exchanges, and university personnel dispatch.
After the speeches, a scientific presentation on joint research projects, human resource development, and academic exchanges between Nagasaki University and KEMRI was conducted. This presentation included participation from Prof. Kaneko, Prof. Inoue (Vice Director of the Kenya Base), as well as Dr. Muuo, Dr. Ernest, and Dr. Martin from KEMRI. They presented on the past, present, and future projects, sharing their visions and plans for collaboration.
Following the presentations, the MOU was signed between Prof. Songok and President Kono. The ceremony was attended by over 50 participants, including KEMRI Board Members and Directors from various research centers.
