Nairobi, 19 March 2026 – The Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) today hosted a delegation from the Gates Medical Research Institute (Gates MRI) for discussions on advancing clinical research collaboration in Kenya.

The meeting was chaired by Dr. Ali Arale on behalf of PPB Chief Executive Officer Dr. Ahmed Mohamed, and brought together the Gates MRI team led by Chief Executive Officer Dr. Patrice Matchaba.

Discussions focused on MRI’s research agenda and its growing interest in conducting clinical trials in Kenya, with emphasis on the Board’s mandate to safeguard the rights, safety and well-being of clinical trial participants.

Speaking during the meeting, Dr. Arale highlighted PPB’s role in scientific advisory groups and collaborative regulatory frameworks that ensure research conducted in the country meets required standards of quality, safety and scientific integrity.

The engagement further underscored the importance of strong regulatory systems in enabling timely access to safe and effective medicines and vaccines. Participants also noted the need to strengthen capacity at clinical trial sites to position Africa to attract a greater share of global research, which currently remains limited.

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