The Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) has entered into a partnership with Kings University College to set up an anti-doping lab that will conduct holistic research studies which aim to address the well being of athletes.
KEMRI’s Acting Director General and CEO, Elijah Songok said the partnership with the London-based College will bring on board the required expertise for the Institute to carry out effective Sports Research.
“We are really excited to partner with King’s College- a university that has vast experience, expertise and reputation in anti-doping testing and research. We believe this is the right step in ensuring KEMRI serves as a hub for athlete sample testing but also as a homegrown platform for other research and aim to eliminate the need to send samples out of Kenya,” said Songok.
KEMRI together with kings College will provide equipment for the laboratory with approved instrumentation, train KEMRI staff at Kings Forensics and carry our research and testing activities on anti doping forensics and drug abuse.
“We are happy to partner with KEMRI and we shall work together in consultation with WADA (World Anti Doping Agency) for Kenya to acquire the first accredited anti-doping laboratory for the East African region,” said Kim Wolf, head of Kings Forensics Centre.
KEMRI Eldoret Centre is also in the process of collaborating with the University of Stirling-UK to offer research on vast areas ranging from healthy ageing to athlete performance including physiology, nutrition, genetics, coaching, gender and anti-doping.
Sally Namuye
