Kenya has launched a new centre for stem cell studies, raising prospects of faster research into chronic illnesses and treatment.

Scientists at the Kenya Medical Research Institute (Kemri) say the Centre of Excellence in Stem Cell Research will redefine the future of medicine in Africa by coming up with new ways of treating diabetes, cancer, burns and leishmaniasis (also known as Kala azar).

Kemri chair Abdullahi Ali said the centre will also cut costs for patients who would otherwise travel abroad to seek stem cell therapy.

This kind of therapy is used by scientists to regenerate damaged organs, tissues or functions through transplanting stem cells, the unspecialised cells in our bodies that scientists can either renew or duplicate to recreate tissue.

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“You all started from a stem cell. It is the basis of life. We will now use this centre to reprogram our scientific knowledge to help us tackle diseases. This gives hope to many patients suffering from different diseases,” explained Dr Kimani Gachuhi, a scientist at Kemri involved with the centre’s projects.

Regional hub

Kemri says it will train young researchers from the East African region in stem cell research and regenerative medicine, as well as establish a repository of stem cells in Kenya. The unit will serve as a stem cell research hub for the country, region and for international collaborators.

Dorcas Wachira, head of stem cell research at Kemri, explained that other potential uses of the stem cell research include in personalised medicine, wound healing, bone marrow transplantations and coming up with treatments for ageing, baldness, spinal cord injury, Alzheimer’s disease, deafness and blindness, among others.

She, however, warned that the linkage between the science and application to the real world in the form of treatment in clinical application may take longer than expected.

“This may take time, but eventually, we will reduce mortality resulting from different diseases once our studies get approved by relevant scientific bodies globally,” Wachira said.

The research centre has received a grant of about Ksh77.2 million ($541,374.47) from Kenya’s National Research Fund.

“As an African scientist, it makes me happy to be the generator of research and not just the consumer,” said Prof Nelly Mugo, director of research and development (R&D) at Kemri.

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“I am glad that we have local support for funding research. External funders are great, but they cannot always address our priorities. We took lessons from Covid-19 and we now want to ramp up our biotechnology industry for our country,” added Kemri acting director general Elijah Songok.

Prof Ratemo Michieka, chairperson of the National Research Fund, urged the government to keep supporting research. “Globally, there is a consensus that research, science, technology and innovation are at the heart of development and that investment in this sphere is critical to ensuring long-term growth,” said Prof Michieka.