KUTRRH and AMREF continue to turn partnership into impact – strengthening laboratory systems and supporting access to quality HIV testing services.
On 21 August 2026, AMREF and the Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral & Research Hospital (KUTRRH) marked a significant milestone in their collaboration through the formal handover of laboratory equipment to the hospital.
The partnership, formalised through an MOU signed on 30 June 2022, was established to strengthen HIV Viral Load and Early Infant Diagnosis (EID) testing, while enhancing laboratory capacity and supporting the delivery of quality HIV/TB services.
Through this collaboration, testing services have been supported across Murang’a, Nyeri, Kirinyaga and Kiambu Counties, with the laboratory processing approximately 8,000–10,000 tests every month – a significant contribution towards timely diagnosis, treatment monitoring and improved patient outcomes.
The handover was undertaken under AMREF’s Sustainable Laboratory Quality Systems for HIV/TB Epidemic Control Project (Cooperative Agreement No. GH002285). Over the course of the partnership, AMREF has supported KUTRRH through the provision of laboratory equipment and commodities, technical capacity building, strengthening of laboratory quality management systems, infection prevention and control, biosafety and biosecurity, human resource support, and other interventions aimed at building a resilient and sustainable laboratory system.
The formal handover therefore represents more than the transfer of laboratory equipment. It marks a transition towards greater institutional ownership, responsibility and sustainability, with KUTRRH assuming custodianship, maintenance and continued utilisation of the equipment to support quality patient care.
During the handover meeting, the AMREF team, led by Mr. Julius Masako, engaged with the KUTRRH team. The KUTRRH CEO, Dr. Zeinab Gura, was represented by Dr. Onyimbo Kerama, Deputy, Clinical Services. The official Acceptance Letter was signed, formalising KUTRRH’s acceptance and custodianship of the equipment.
This milestone reflects what is possible when institutions work together with a shared commitment to strengthening health systems, building local capacity and ensuring continuity of essential diagnostic services.
As the partnership evolves, the focus remains clear: sustaining the gains made, strengthening institutional capacity and ensuring that laboratory services continue to respond effectively to the needs of patients and communities.
From partnership to sustainability. From equipment to strengthened capacity. Together, we are building stronger laboratory systems for better health outcomes.
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