Prayers, joyous music, dance and a promise of better tidings for the new year were the hallmarks of the Kenya Medical Research Institute thanks-giving and end year party held on Thursday, December 22^nd, 2011, at the Carnivore Restaurant.

The party which was punctuated by the spirit of noel churned in delightful chorus and hymns was also among the final official functions undertaken before breaking off for the 2011 Christmas holidays.

The occasion was graced by non other but the KEMRI Board of Management Chairman, Dr. Edwin Muinga Chokwe and members Prof. Norah Olembo and Mr. Maalim, Director KEMRI, Dr. Solomon Mpoke, his two deputies, Dr. Elizabeth Bukusi (Research & Training), Ms. Linah Boit (Administration & Finance), Assistant Directors, Heads of respective research Centers, departments and units within Nairobi.

At least 600 members of staff attended the function in Nairobi. This was the first time in the recent past that an end year party was held outside KEMRI headquarters.

Addressing the staff, Dr. Mpoke outlined a number of outstanding achievements recorded during the year. He intimated that the KEMRI Board of Management had approved a new vision, mission and re-organized research programmes by increasing them from the previous four to six in line with the revised KEMRI Strategic Plan 2008-2012.

He informed that the new Vision Statement is: “To be a leading Centre of Excellence in Human Health Research”, while the new Mission Statement is: “To Improve Human Health and Quality of Life through Research, Capacity Building and Service Delivery”.

The Director, informed that the expanded research programmes that form the Institute’s core business were: Biotechnology, Traditional Medicine & Drug Development, Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Public Health and Health Systems, Non Communicable Diseases and Sexual, Reproductive & Child Health.

The Director said that the new structure moves away from the centre-based approach to programme-based and seeks to eliminate duplication while increasing efficiency and effectiveness of delivery on the Institute’s mandate.

The Director was echoed by the KEMRI Board of Management Chairman, Dr. Edwin Chokwe Muinga who also appealed to the staff to familiarize themselves with the current developments and embrace the new changes. He reiterated that the changes were meant to re-engineer the Institute to deliver quality services and position it for leadership in health research.

Meanwhile, both the Chairman and the Director KEMRI exuded confidence that the changes initiated by the management including staff appraisals and harmonization would very soon translate into better working conditions for the staff and research output. “We are getting there, please be a little more patient ”, said Dr. Muinga.

The two pointed out that the management was in the process of concluding proposals which when implemented will greatly boost staff morale, rekindle hard work and result in a more motivated workforce throughout the Institute.