APHRC launches knowledge hub as it marks 25 years of research excellence

The African Population and Health Research Centre (APHRC) has launched an ultra-modern knowledge hub in Nairobi as the institution marked 25 years of research, policy engagement and development work across Africa.

The facility, unveiled during APHRC’s silver jubilee celebrations at its Kitisuru campus, is expected to serve as a regional centre for learning, innovation, collaboration and evidence-based policymaking across sub-Saharan Africa.

The launch comes months after Kenya unveiled the Science, Research and Innovation (SRI) Synergy Blueprint, a Ksh.500 billion framework aimed at strengthening the country’s research and innovation ecosystem.

Speaking during the launch on behalf of Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs CS Musalia Mudavadi, Principal Secretary for Science, Research and Innovation Prof. Shaukat Abdulrazak described the new facility as a strategic investment in Africa’s future.

“Africa’s transformation will increasingly depend on our ability to generate, interpret, and apply evidence to solve complex development challenges. This Knowledge Hub is more than a building; it is a bold statement about the continent’s readiness to shape its own development trajectory through research, innovation, and collaboration,” said Prof. Abdulrazak.

He noted that institutions bridging research and public policy will play a critical role in helping governments respond to emerging challenges such as climate change, food insecurity, digital transformation and public health.

“As governments confront emerging challenges ranging from climate change and food insecurity to digital transformation and public health, institutions such as APHRC will play an even more critical role in ensuring policy decisions are grounded in credible, timely, and locally generated knowledge,” he added.

The new hub, an extension of APHRC’s Ulwazi Place, features smart conferencing facilities and collaborative innovation spaces expected to bring together researchers, policymakers, development partners, private sector players and young innovators.

APHRC Executive Director Dr Catherine Kyobutungi said the facility reflects the institution’s growth and long-term vision of strengthening African-led research and policy solutions.

“This Knowledge Hub is a significant testament to the growth, resilience, and maturity of our institution over the past 25 years. It embodies our vision of creating an inclusive platform where ideas converge, partnerships flourish, and African solutions are generated to address African problems,” said Dr. Kyobutungi.

She noted that the hub would help strengthen evidence-informed decision-making and support governments and regional institutions with policy insights.

“This building is more than a physical infrastructure - it will be the nerve centre of our vision for a truly African knowledge system. We are building a thriving intellectual ecosystem that empowers researchers, nurtures young talent, stimulates innovation, and strengthens evidence-informed decision-making across sub-Saharan Africa,” she stated.

Over the last 25 years, APHRC has built a reputation for research and policy influence in areas including public health, education, urbanisation, population studies and data science.

The launch event brought together senior government officials, diplomats, researchers, development partners, civil society groups and private sector representatives.