Kenya AIDS Vaccine Initiative (KAVI) was established in 1998 as a research unit within the

Department of Medical Microbiology, College of Health Sciences, University of Nairobi, with

an initial mission to conduct basic research in epidemiology of HIV and to carryout HIV/AIDs

vaccine trials.

The vision, mission and core values of the University demonstrates the importance placed upon research activities within the University.

The University of Nairobi has established research institutes in focus areas of expertise, which are inter-disciplinary centers of excellence in research and development. The university also hosts a number of Centers of Excellence which have been set up by the government or private stakeholders in collaboration with the University to serve the region.