AMR Conference 2026

Data that counts: Working together to tackle AMR in Kenya

January 21-22, 2026

Serena Beach Resort & Spa, Mombasa

About The Event

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing public health crisis in East Africa and Kenya, posing a serious threat to human, animal, and environmental health. Urgent action is needed to prevent a future where common infections become untreatable. The AMR Conference 2026 brings together experts, policymakers, funders, and community leaders to co-create practical, locally relevant solutions to combat AMR.

Where

Serena Hotel, Mombasa

When

January 21- 22, 2026

AMR in Africa and Kenya : A Critical Overview

AMR is now emerging as a major cause of death in Africa due to the high burden of infectious diseases. It was linked to approximately 250,000 deaths in Africa in 2019.
The region faces high rates of resistant infections due to the overuse and misuse of antibiotics, inadequate infection control, and limited access to diagnostic services.
Kenya has developed a National Action Plan (NAP) aligned with the Global Action Plan and the African Union Framework for AMR Control, aiming to strengthen surveillance, stewardship, and awareness.
Despite these efforts, implementation remains uneven, with gaps in laboratory capacity, data sharing, and coordination across sectors.

Conference objectives

Showcase successful AMR initiatives in Kenya
Identify gaps in data, diagnostics, and stewardship
Strengthen One Health collaboration across sectors
Mobilize funding and partnerships for action

Conference countdown

Scheduled

Sessions

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Day 1 : The State of AMR in LMICs - Challenges & Context
Day 2 : Solutions, Science and Sustainability

08:00 - 09:00
Registration opens

Informal networking, welcome kits, and name badges.
9:00 - 9:15
Welcome Note
By Prof Jay Berkley Director, CHAIN

Welcoming remarks & conference introduction Housekeeping rules - led by the hotel
9:15 - 9:45
Keynote 1: The Global State of AMR and What It Means for LMICs
By Prof. Samuel Kariuki Africa Continental Lead and Office Director DNDi , Dr. Caroline Tigoi Post Doctoral Research Scientist, KEMRI-Wellcome

Examining the current global landscape of AMR and its unique implications for low- and middle-income countries.
9:45 - 10:30
Tea Break & Networking/Posters
10:30 - 11:00
Opening ceremony
By Dr. Abdullahi Ali Ibrahim Chairman, KEMRI Board of Directors, Ms Mary Muthomi Principal Secretary, State Department for Public Health and Professional Standards, Ministry of Health, Kenya, Prof. Edwine Barasa Executive Director, KEMRI-Wellcome, Dr. Sophie Uyoga Centre Ag Director CGMRC , Dr. Swabah Ahmed CEC Health – Mombasa County Government, Dr. Kamene Kimenye Ag. Director General, NPHI , Dr. Patrick Amoth Director General for Health, Ministry of Health, Prof Jay Berkley Director, CHAIN
11:00 - 11:30
Short press briefing and photo session

Short press briefing and photo session led by Cynthia Mauncho, Head of Communications, KEMRI-Wellcome
11:30 - 13:00
Plenary 1 : AMR Surveillance - From Data to Policy
By Dr Loice Achieng Ombajo Co-Director, CEMA, Dr. Emmanuel Tanui National AMR Focal Point,KNPHI, Dr Samuel Aketch Visiting Scientist, KEMRI-Wellcome, Dr Lilian Musila Principal Scientist, KEMRI/USAMRD-A , Dr. Caroline Tigoi Post Doctoral Research Scientist, KEMRI-Wellcome

Strengthening surveillance systems and data to advance AMR policy.
Policy & Governance
13:00 - 14:00
Networking Lunch
14:00 - 15:30
Plenary 2 – Clinical Realities of AMR
By Dr. Christina Obiero Postdoctoral Clinician Scientist, KEMRI-Wellcome, Mr Ogalo Ogweno Executive Chairperson, COFPAK, Dr Lydia Okutoyi Director of Safety and Quality, Kenyatta National Hospital, Dr Christine Manyasi Neonatologist, Mbagathi County Hospital , Dr Adeel Shah Consultant Paediatrician, Aga Khan University Hospital

AMR dynamics across the care continuum: from the hospital to the community
15:30 - 16:00
Tea break and posters
16:00 - 16:40
Plenary 3 – Financing the AMR Agenda
By Dr. Tracie Muraya Deputy Director, ReAct Africa, Prof Jay Berkley Director, CHAIN, Prof Ehimario Igumbor CEO, IFAIN, Dr Carol Ruffel Head of Joint Office, Southern Africa, GARDP, Prof. Judd Walson Johns Hopkins University, Dr Nicole Benson Programme Officer, Gates Foundation

Evolving Global AMR Funding Priorities: Implications and Strategic Opportunities for LMICs
Economics of AMR
16:40 - 17:30
Open Q & A session on Funding and wrap-up

08:30 - 09:00
Coffee & Networking
09:00 - 09:30
Keynote 2: AMR diagnostics and large-scale data for action
By Dr Kiplangat Sigei Medical Affairs Manager, Anglophone Africa, BioMérieux, Dr. Anne Amulele Post Doctoral Research Fellow, KEMRI-Wellcome

Strengthening AMR response through laboratory diagnostics and high-throughput data integrations
9:30 - 10:45
Plenary 4 – AMR Stewardship in Practice
By Dr Lydia Momanyi Nakuru County Antimicrobial Stewardship Programme , Dr Romona Ndanyi AMR Focal Point, Animal Health, Dr Dishon Muloi Molecular Epidemiologist and Veterinarian, ILRI, Dr Fredrick Ouma Research Directorate, KNPHI, Prof Ehimario Igumbor CEO, IFAIN

Case studies from hospitals, communities, and veterinary settings (One Health)
AMR Stewardship
10:45 - 11:15
Coffee and Posters
11:15 - 12:30
Breakout Sessions: Problem Solving for Impact (Separate Rooms)

Interactive sessions where participants work in groups to propose solutions and action plans for critical AMR gaps. Output will inform conference commitments.
11:15 - 12:30
Track 1: Strengthening Laboratories and Surveillance
By Dr Leonard Kingwara Technical Lead for Genomic and Molecular Surveillance, NLSD, Dr. Christina Obiero Postdoctoral Clinician Scientist, KEMRI-Wellcome

Venue : Room A
11:15 - 12:30
Track 2: Vaccines to Control Respiratory Pathogens and Antimicrobial Resistance (VacAMR)
By Prof Ehimario Igumbor CEO, IFAIN, Dr. Caroline Tigoi Post Doctoral Research Scientist, KEMRI-Wellcome

Venue : Room B
11:15 - 12:30
Track 3 : One Health Collaboration
By Dr Romona Ndanyi AMR Focal Point, Animal Health, Dr Dishon Muloi Molecular Epidemiologist and Veterinarian, ILRI

Venue : Room C
11:15 - 12:30
Track 4: AMR stewardship and IPC in hospitals
By Dr. Emmanuel Tanui National AMR Focal Point,KNPHI, Dr. Michuki Maina Post-Doctoral Research Scientist, KEMRI-Wellcome

Venue : Room D
12:30 - 13:00
Keynote 3 : Evidence Spotlight - Key Studies in AMR
By Dr Loice Achieng Ombajo Co-Director, CEMA, Dr. Christina Obiero Postdoctoral Clinician Scientist, KEMRI-Wellcome

Highlight examples of key studies advancing understanding of AMR
13:00 - 14:00
Networking Lunch
14:00 - 14:45
Plenary 5 – Working together to Combat AMR (NPHI led session)
By Gavin Orangi Makueni County AMR Focal Point, Dr. Emmanuel Tanui National AMR Focal Point,KNPHI, Dr. Tracie Muraya Deputy Director, ReAct Africa, Dr Leonard Kingwara Technical Lead for Genomic and Molecular Surveillance, NLSD, Dr Romona Ndanyi AMR Focal Point, Animal Health, Dr Fredrick Ouma Research Directorate, KNPHI, Dr. Irungu Kamau Senior Deputy Director of Medical Services, KNPHI

Strengthening national AMR strategies through structured evidence use, coordinated data sharing and robust governance mechanisms.
Policy & Governance
14:45 - 15:15
Panel Discussion: Bridging Research and Policy for Impact
By Prof. Samuel Kariuki Africa Continental Lead and Office Director DNDi , Dr. Emmanuel Tanui National AMR Focal Point,KNPHI, Prof Jay Berkley Director, CHAIN, Dr Samuel Aketch Visiting Scientist, KEMRI-Wellcome, Dr Carol Ruffel Head of Joint Office, Southern Africa, GARDP, Dr. Caroline Tigoi Post Doctoral Research Scientist, KEMRI-Wellcome

Explore how researchers and policy makers can work together to identify priorities and align research outputs with policy needs.
AMR Stewardship
Animal Health
15:15 - 15:45
Coffee & Networking
15:45 - 16:30
Way forward
By Dr. Michuki Maina Post-Doctoral Research Scientist, KEMRI-Wellcome
16:30 - 17:00
Closing Ceremony

Conference organising committee and Ministry of Health leadership