Kenyan Scientists Develop Low-Cost Diagnostic Tools

A multidisciplinary team of Kenyan researchers has embarked on a synthetic biology project to develop low-cost diagnostic tools and biosensors for rapid detection of human and crop pathogens. The work, supported by the National Research Fund, aims to make disease surveillance more accessible, especially in low-resource settings.
According to the project lead, Dr. Margaret Karembu of ISAAA AfriCenter, the diagnostic platform will use engineered biological parts to build biosensors that are inexpensive, scalable, and easy to deploy. These tools are being designed to detect a variety of pathogens, offering faster readouts than traditional laboratory tests.
In parallel, the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) is strengthening its diagnostics capacity. KEMRI has developed locally manufactured malaria rapid diagnostic kits and COVID-19 PCR kits, reducing dependence on imported test components. The move is expected to cut costs significantly and help ensure timely testing across the country.
Experts believe these innovations could be transformative for public health in Kenya. By enabling more affordable, point-of-care diagnostics, the tools may improve disease detection and response, particularly in remote and underserved regions. The project also aligns with broader efforts, such as the establishment of Kenya’s first International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) research hub.