FHS Associate Dean Postgraduate Research and Training Prof. Evelyn Wagaiyu with Wondfo Biotech Senior Vice President Mr. Zaping Xha, Vice President Mr. Wenjie Xu, Global Technical Director Mr. Leo Xu, Dr. Parmenas Okemwa, Dr. Francis Wanyama and Faculty staff members and students at the Wondfo Training Center
The University of Nairobi (UoN) and Wondfo Biotech have renewed their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), reaffirming their commitment to strengthening training, research, knowledge exchange and professional development in pathology and laboratory sciences.
A key component of this partnership is the UoN–Wondfo Training Centre, which is hosted within the Department of Human Pathology at the University of Nairobi. The centre provides an important platform for practical training, research, skills development and knowledge exchange, bringing together students, academic staff, technical personnel and industry partners.
A subsequent meeting brought together a delegation from Wondfo Biotech, FHS faculty and technical staff, as well as students undertaking pathology and laboratory rotations. Discussions focused on strengthening Wondfo's support for undergraduate and postgraduate research, student and staff training, and the development of future collaborative initiatives through the UoN–Wondfo partnership and Training Centre.
FHS Associate Dean, Postgraduate Research and Training, Prof. Evelyn Wagaiyu, welcomed the continuation of the partnership, noting its potential to enhance research and training while contributing to improved healthcare outcomes in Kenya.
“We need to collaborate in knowledge exchange and training, other than exchange programs. We need to increase the number of specialties going into rural areas. We have a disparity in medical treatment,” Prof. Wagaiyu said.
The discussions also highlighted opportunities for Wondfo Biotech to invest in research, particularly in infectious diseases, as part of efforts to address emerging and existing health challenges in Kenya.
Strengthening Research and Training
Feedback from technical staff and students formed an important part of the discussions. Participants expressed appreciation for the advanced equipment available at the UoN–Wondfo Training Centre and highlighted the opportunities it offers for practical training, research and professional development.
Among the key areas identified was the need for continued access to reagents to enable full utilisation of the available equipment for teaching, research and external patient testing. Such services could also provide an opportunity for the University to generate additional income while strengthening its diagnostic capacity.
The partnership will further explore opportunities for student and staff exchanges between the University of Nairobi and institutions in China. The initiative is expected to provide participants with international exposure, specialised technical knowledge and opportunities to learn from different healthcare and laboratory systems.
Wondfo Biotech welcomed the proposal and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting knowledge transfer and international collaboration. The delegation, however, emphasised the importance of ensuring that participants in exchange programmes return and apply the knowledge and skills acquired to strengthen services and expertise in Kenya.
“You are your country’s future. Go and learn and bring that expertise to Kenya. If you don’t think about your country’s future, no one will,” said Wondfo Biotech Global Technical Director, Mr. Leo Xu.
The renewed partnership underscores the shared commitment of the Department of Human Pathology, the Faculty of Health Sciences and Wondfo Biotech to building capacity, advancing research and strengthening laboratory and diagnostic services. Through the UoN–Wondfo Training Centre, the collaboration provides a strategic platform for equipping the next generation of healthcare and laboratory professionals with practical skills, advanced knowledge and international exposure.
The partnership is also expected to contribute to the development of highly skilled professionals equipped to address Kenya's evolving healthcare needs and to promote the translation of research, training and innovation into improved health services and community impact.
Wondfo Biotech was represented by Senior Vice President Mr. Zaping Xha, Vice President Mr. Wenjie Xu, Global Technical Director Mr. Leo Xu and Wondfo East Africa Director Mr. Bear Xiong. The University of Nairobi was represented by FHS Associate Dean, Postgraduate Research and Training, Prof. Evelyn Wagaiyu, alongside Dr. Parmenas Okemwa, Dr. Francis Wanyama and other faculty and technical staff.
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