KAVI-Institute of Clinical Research (KAVI-ICR) is proud to announce Dr. Marianne Mureithi as the new Director of the Institute. Dr. Mureithi is not new to KAVI-ICR; she has spent several years as a Principal Investigator at the institute’s core research programs in HIV, mucosal immunology, HPV, and cancer immunology (among other areas). She currently serves as Chair of the Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology at the University of Nairobi and as the Basic Science Research Team Leader at KAVI-ICR. In these roles she has helped guide KAVI’s research agenda and mentor emerging scientists. Her appointment as Director builds on this deep experience and her proven track record in both science and leadership.

At KAVI and UoN Dr. Mureithi has led cutting‑edge studies of HIV infection at mucosal sites. Her research focuses on characterizing the very early stages of HIV transmission, studying the phenotypes of initial target cells in mucosal tissues (especially the female genital tract), and identifying biomarkers and metabolic signatures that inform vaccine and treatment design. She was a co‑investigator on the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI) ADVANCE program, and she played a central role in securing a highly competitive NIH R01 grant in collaboration with Northwestern University. This R01-funded project – involving tissue samples and sophisticated imaging – aims to map how HIV first infects and spreads in human mucosal tissues and to uncover the mechanisms of viral reservoir formation.

Dr. Mureithi has also extended her research into other priority areas. She co-leads the Women’s Health Project in Mombasa (a collaboration with the University of Washington) aimed at improving women’s health outcomes, and she has contributed to studies on HPV and other co-infections among women living with HIV. At KAVI-ICR, her lab has been at the forefront of mucosal immunology research – for example, KAVI’s team at the 2024 International AIDS Conference in Munich, led by Dr. Mureithi, showcased new findings on mucosal HIV immunity. In recognition of KAVI’s excellence, Dr. Mureithi’s colleagues and the KAVI laboratory have earned top performance awards (for instance, KAVI-ICR was named “Best Performing Laboratory” in IAVI’s 2021 External Quality Assurance program), reflecting the high standards she helped uphold.

Beyond her own research, Dr. Mureithi is deeply committed to mentorship and capacity-building. She was instrumental in founding the University of Nairobi’s postgraduate mentorship program, actively supporting the next generation of African scientists. Over the years she has supervised numerous Master’s and PhD students, many from Kenya, and she continues to mentor young researchers in her department and at KAVI-ICR. In her recent remarks, Dr. Mureithi emphasized that one of her priorities as Director will be “Building Capacity and Next-Generation Scientists” – creating new training programs, mentorship hubs, and collaborative platforms so that young African scientists can lead globally.

Honouring KAVI-ICR’s Legacy: Prof. Walter Jaoko and Prof. Omu Anzala

Dr. Mureithi assumes the Directorship at a pivotal moment, building on two decades of strong leadership at KAVI-ICR. Her predecessor, Professor Walter Jaoko, has been Director of KAVI-ICR and a Professor of Medical Microbiology and Tropical Medicine at UoN. Under Prof. Jaoko’s tenure, KAVI-ICR grew into a respected global contributor in clinical research. He led the institute through major expansion of its clinical trials and laboratory programs, and under his guidance KAVI teams have won international recognition – for example the Outstanding Achiever Award at University of Nairobi’s 50th anniversary, honouring Prof. Jaoko for his pioneering work in HIV/AIDS clinical research and vaccine initiatives. In 2022 he and his team received IAVI’s Best Laboratory Award for top performance in external quality assessments. In short, KAVI-ICR flourished under Prof. Jaoko’s leadership and set new benchmarks in HIV vaccine and infectious disease research – a strong foundation that Dr. Mureithi now inherits.

Equally important to Dr. Mureithi’s journey has been the mentorship of Professor Omu Anzala, KAVI-ICR’s founding director. Prof. Anzala, a pioneering virologist and immunologist, established KAVI in 2000 and oversaw its growth from a small research unit into a full-fledged institute by 2013. He was KAVI’s first Director and guided its expansion beyond HIV/AIDS into broader infectious disease and non-communicable disease research. Colleagues note that Prof. Anzala oversaw unprecedented growth of the institute in infrastructure and research projects including immunology, virology (under a One Health framework), and vaccine development. Importantly for Dr. Mureithi’s own career, it was meeting Prof. Anzala that convinced her to return to Kenya. Throughout her career, Dr. Mureithi has spoken of Prof. Anzala as a mentor, one whose dedication helped shape her vision. In recognition of his role, it is fitting that Dr. Mureithi steps into leadership after having been mentored by KAVI’s first Director – carrying forward his legacy of innovation and capacity-building.

A Vision of KAVI-ICR’s Future

In assuming leadership, Dr. Mureithi has articulated a bold vision for KAVI-ICR that reflects both her own passion and the institute’s mission. She emphasizes “Bold Science with Local Impact,” ensuring that KAVI’s research not only answers academic questions but solves problems in Kenya and across Africa. Her priorities include cutting-edge work on HIV cure strategies, climate-sensitive health innovations, and cancer immunology – areas where KAVI-ICR already has strong programs. A second pillar of her vision is mentorship and training of the next generation, building on her own commitment to developing young scientists in Africa. The third is forging strategic partnerships and translational research, bridging discoveries from bench to bedside in collaboration with industry, government and international partners. Dr. Mureithi has urged that “we cannot afford to do business as usual. The world is moving fast, and Africa must lead in solutions, not just follow.” Her appointment marks a new chapter for KAVI-ICR. Dr. Mureithi brings scientific excellence, proven leadership, and a collaborative spirit. As KAVI-ICR’s new Director, she inherits an institute that has thrived under strong leaders. The institute now looks ahead with confidence that Dr. Mureithi will help “co-create a future where science works for humanity” – advancing KAVI’s mission to improve health on the continent. We congratulate Dr. Mureithi on her appointment and look forward to KAVI-ICR’s next era of innovation under her leadership.