The KEMRI Wellcome Trust Research Programme is a world-renowned health research unit of excellence. The programme was formed in 1989 when the Kenya Medical Research Institute formed a partnership with the Wellcome Trust and the University of Oxford. The Programme has grown from a small group of 12 to a state-of-the-art facility hosting over 100 research scientists and 700 support staff working across Kenya, Uganda and the region. They have over the years excelled in the use of novel ideas working with local communities to achieve better health for Africa while also developing African scientific leaders.

The KEMRI Wellcome Trust Research Programme (KWTRP) is based within the KEMRI Centre for Geographic Medical Research – (Coast). Their core activities are funded by the Wellcome Trust. They conduct integrated epidemiological, social, laboratory and clinical research in parallel, with results feeding into local and international health policy. Their research platforms include state-of-the-art laboratories, a demographic surveillance system covering a quarter of a million residents, partnership with Kilifi County Hospital in health care and hospital surveillance, a clinical trials facility, a vibrant engagement programme and a dedicated training facility.