The National Assembly’s health committee has criticized the government for what it claims is a lack of enough funding for medical research institutions.
The deputy chairman of the committee, Peter Otieno, said it was a shame for the government to set aside five percent only out of a sh. 3.6 trillion budget for research institutions.
“You cannot develop a nation with sick people. Research is underfunded. We will propose to the government to have enough funding for these institutions”, he said.
The Ndhiwa MP said the committee would present their proposals to enable the government to allocate more funds to such institutions such as Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)
On his part KEMRI board chairman Prof Samuel Kariuki, wants the government to invest more on health research institutions.
Speaking while on a tour at Kemri research center in Kilifi County, Prof Kariuki said such as move would improve the capacity of the institution to carry out various health research .