Defrontera Media Editor-in-Chief Anne Mawathe during the National Science Research Translation Congress at APHRC headquarters, Nairobi on October 22, 2025/LEAH MUKANGAIThe first-ever National Science Research and Translation Congress opened on Tuesday at the African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC) in Nairobi with a strong call to bridge the gap between scientific discovery and policymaking.
Defrontera Media Editor-in-Chief Anne Mawathe during the National Science Research Translation Congress at APHRC headquarters, Nairobi on October 22, 2025 /LEAH MUKANGAIThe congress, jointly organised by The Star and APHRC, brought together scientists, policymakers, and journalists to explore new ways of making research more accessible, impactful, and aligned with society’s needs.
USIU Assistant Professor of Communications and Media Dr. Dorothy Njoroge speaks at a panel discussion during the National Science Research Translation congress at APHRC headquarters, Nairobi on October 22, 2025/LEAH MUKANGAIThe event focused on fostering collaboration between the media and the research community, underscoring the importance of translating scientific evidence into actionable policies that improve public health and national development.
Ministry of Health Director General Dr Patrick Amoth and Radio Africa Group Editorial Director Paul Ilado during the official launch of the National Science Research Translation Congress at APHRC headquarters, Nairobi on October 22, 2025/LEAH MUKANGAI
National Science Research Translation Congress convener Dr. Richard Ayah, Lead social and behavioral research for the AMPATH Research Network Prof. Violet Naanyu, Ministry of Health director general Dr. Patrick Amoth, Government Relations Coordinator of APHRC Benjamin Agina and Radio Africa group editorial director Paul Ilado during the official launch at APHRC headquarters, Nairobi on October 22, 2025/LEAH MUKANGAIIn his keynote address, The Star’s Editorial Director, Paul Ilado, highlighted the essential role journalists play in communicating scientific findings in ways that influence both public understanding and policy decisions.
Center for Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis (CEMA) Infectious disease specialist Dr Loice Ombajo at a panel discussion during the National Science Research Translation Congress at APHRC headquarters, Nairobi, on October 22, 2025/LEAH MUKANGAIHe called for stronger partnerships among media professionals, researchers, and government institutions to ensure that research outcomes are effectively shared and implemented.
Christian Health Association of Kenya (CHAK) secretary general and CEO Dr Chris Barasa ,during the National Science Research Translation Congress at APHRC headquarters, Nairobi, on October 22, 2025/LEAH MUKANGAIThe congress also focused on key themes such as evidence translation, digital science communication, and policy-driven research implementation.
Ongoing National Science Research Translation Congress at APHRC headquarters, Nairobi, on October 22, 2025/LEAH MUKANGAIParticipants emphasised that research must go beyond academic circles to reach decision-makers and communities that can benefit directly from new knowledge and innovations.
Radio Africa group editorial director Paul Ilado, AMPATH lead and social behavioural research Prof. Violet Naanyu, Ministry of Health Director General Dr Patrick Amoth, National Science Research Translation congress convener Dr Richard Ayah, Radio Africa group events and Homeboyz Radio General Manager Somoina Kimojino and Human Resource Manager Jemima Ngode pose for a group photo during the official launch at APHRC headquarters, Nairobi, on October 22, 2025/LEAH MUKANGAIThroughout the sessions, speakers pointed out that while Kenya produces significant scientific research, its impact often remains limited due to communication barriers.
Ministry of Health Director General Dr Patrick Amoth speaking during the official launch of the National Science Research Translation Congress at APHRC headquarters, Nairobi, on October 22, 2025/LEAH MUKANGAIThey stressed the need for media professionals to simplify and humanise scientific findings so that policymakers can use them to address challenges such as health, environment, and technology.
Radio Africa Group Editorial Director Paul Ilado speaking during the National Science Research Translation Congress at APHRC headquarters, Nairobi, on October 22, 2025/LEAH MUKANGAIThe forum further encouraged journalists to embrace digital platforms such as social media, podcasts, and multimedia storytelling to promote science communication.
Participants agreed that integrating science with storytelling could create stronger public engagement and drive evidence-based policies.
USIU Assistant Professor of Communications and Media, Dr Dorothy Njoroge, Centre for Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis (CEMA), Infectious disease specialist, Dr Loice Ombajo, Christian Health Association of Kenya (CHAK) Secretary General and CEO, Dr Chris Barasa, Defrontera Media Editor-in-Chief, Anne Mawathe, and RAG Head of Electronic Media, Susan Kimachia, during the National Science Research Translation Congress at APHRC headquarters, Nairobi, on October 22, 2025/LEAH MUKANGAI.T
he event concluded with a renewed commitment from all participants to create lasting networks that will promote continuous collaboration between researchers, media practitioners, and policymakers.
Radio Africa Group Editorial Director Paul Ilado, Ministry of Health Director General Dr Patrick Amoth and Radio Africa Group Human Resource Manager Jemima Ngode during the official launch of the National Science Research Translation Congress at APHRC headquarters, Nairobi, on October 22, 2025/LEAH MUKANGAIThe congress marked an important milestone in Kenya’s efforts to strengthen the link between scientific research and national policy formulation, setting the stage for more evidence-driven decision-making in the future.
