Saumu Lwembe

Doctor of public health; Assistant Director- National Institute for Health and Care Research

[Maurice Makoloo @MMakoloo]

Pathways. Purpose. Partnerships. 🇰🇪

Since my arrival in the UK, one message has come through consistently from our #diaspora- across generations, professions, and experiences:

A deep love for Kenya.
A genuine desire to give back.
And a clear call for structured pathways to do so.

We @KenyaMissionUK have listened- and are acting.

In February, we hosted Commonwealth Scholars who shared not only their aspirations for Kenya, but practical ideas to improve the journey for those who follow. In London, Wales and Jersey, conversations with families and young people reaffirmed the same spirit of patriotism and commitment.

On 7th March, we convened 41 young professionals across 9 sectors for a dynamic engagement with our Prime Cabinet Secretary @MusaliaMudavadi @OfficePCS_KE. From that powerful exchange, #UzalendoDialogues was born- a quarterly platform to amplify ideas, build networks, and drive action. Two participants have since been invited to the upcoming Kenya International Investment Conference (#KIICO), a testament to the impact of these engagements.

In the health sector, our partnership with Anchored Health brought together diaspora professionals and Kenya’s State Department for Medical Services during the UK- Africa Health Summit this week. This collaboration has now led to the formation of the Kenya- UK Health and Care Sector Taskforce- a structured, transparent platform for skills and knowledge exchange to strengthen health outcomes back home. Dr. Andrew Toro, the Director of Curative and Nursing Services, who led the delegation welcomed this initiative and affirmed the commitment of the State Department for Medical Services under the Principal Secretary @fnoluga.

These are not isolated moments- they are part of a deliberate effort to create pathways for sustained engagement.

Our diaspora is not just connected to Kenya- you are a strategic asset in shaping its future.

💡 Do you have an idea to share or a contribution to make?
Let’s build together. Reach us at:

📩 [email protected]

#DiasporaEngagement #Uzalendo #KenyaUK #Partnership #Volunteerism #Structure #Innovation

@Diaspora_KE @roselinenjogu @HadhiamboHellen @SingoeiAKorir @StateHouseKenya @HusseinMohamedg @SpokespersonGoK @belindakiilu @Chislwe @Fidel_Ongute

[Ben Simms @bensimms65]

I am full of gratitude for the wisdom & direction of H.E Ambassador Catherine Karemu @KenyaMissionUK this morning, given as I prep for @THETlinks’ #globalhealth events in Nairobi with @BeccyCooper4Lab @MOH_Kenya @KenyaMissionUK @DHSCgovuk. #HealthPartnerships #CwPAMS #globalNHS

[Saumu Lwembe @Chislwe]

@diaspora_uganda @bensimms65 @KenyaMissionUK @THETlinks @BeccyCooper4Lab @MOH_Kenya @DHSCgovuk Agreed; the insights gathered are fundamental in the global health initiatives.

[Amb. Manoah Esipisu EBS @MEsipisu]

Was delighted to co-convene a fireside chat on purpose, leadership, and legacy, featuring @StrathU VC @VinceOgutu and industry & philanthropy icon Dr Manu Chandaria. Huge lesson: The ones who lead change are the ones who step up and step to the front; not those in the shadows.

[NIHR Global Health @NIHRglobal]

We've just released a new podcast episode - Leaving no one behind and the NIHR/Mesh CEI online course

🎧 Hear from the course authors how it can support your community engagement and involvement: https://t.co/EMNszMdLMX

[Saumu Lwembe @Chislwe]

@NIHRglobal @TsofaB @SassyMolyneux

[NIHR Global Health @NIHRglobal]

Have you listened to the latest episode of our community engagement and involvement podcast series?

Hear from NIHR-funded researchers as they discuss inclusive engagement of marginalised communities in their health systems research.

🎧Listen now: https://t.co/bUphp1Yx6Z

[Kenya in UK 🇰🇪🇬🇧 @KenyaMissionUK]

Today, the Kenya High Commission hosted a hybrid networking event centered around global health research partnerships.

The event convened leaders from NIHR-funded projects in Kenya, including those dedicated to initiatives in maternal health, mental health and health systems resilience.

Researchers shared pertinent outcomes and insights with senior representatives from Kenya’s Ministry of Health, led by the Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Dr. Ouma Oluga. The PS underscored the significance of collaborative research in informing practical decisions. The Principal Secretary reiterated the government’s priorities in developing local expertise, advancing research and ensuring equitable access to healthcare, which are fundamental pillars of Kenya’s pursuit of Universal Health Coverage.

By highlighting near-completion projects, the event demonstrated how UK-Kenya research partnerships are yielding tangible impact: building capacity, generating evidence, and addressing shared health challenges.
Notable highlights included NIHR-funded research in Kenya on maternal health, climate resilience, and mental health. In the presence of Kenyan Ministry of Health officials, the event reinforced the value of equitable research partnerships in influencing evidence-based policy.

The event concluded by proposing additional steps in the partnership including aligning research with government priorities, optimizing coordination for optimal outcomes and enhancing communication on impact.

[Saumu Lwembe @Chislwe]

@NIHRglobal

[Kenya in UK 🇰🇪🇬🇧 @KenyaMissionUK]

Today, the Kenya High Commission hosted a hybrid networking event centered around global health research partnerships.

The event convened leaders from NIHR-funded projects in Kenya, including those dedicated to initiatives in maternal health, mental health and health systems resilience.

Researchers shared pertinent outcomes and insights with senior representatives from Kenya’s Ministry of Health, led by the Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Dr. Ouma Oluga. The PS underscored the significance of collaborative research in informing practical decisions. The Principal Secretary reiterated the government’s priorities in developing local expertise, advancing research and ensuring equitable access to healthcare, which are fundamental pillars of Kenya’s pursuit of Universal Health Coverage.

By highlighting near-completion projects, the event demonstrated how UK-Kenya research partnerships are yielding tangible impact: building capacity, generating evidence, and addressing shared health challenges.
Notable highlights included NIHR-funded research in Kenya on maternal health, climate resilience, and mental health. In the presence of Kenyan Ministry of Health officials, the event reinforced the value of equitable research partnerships in influencing evidence-based policy.

The event concluded by proposing additional steps in the partnership including aligning research with government priorities, optimizing coordination for optimal outcomes and enhancing communication on impact.

[Saumu Lwembe @Chislwe]

As someone with a keen interest in health systems research, I found the discussions insightful, encouraging, and challenging.

[NIHR Global Health @NIHRglobal]

We've just released a new podcast episode - Inclusive CEI in health systems research.

Listen now to hear NIHR-funded researchers discuss inclusive engagement of marginalised communities in their health systems research in Syria and Ethiopia: https://t.co/bUphp1Yx6Z 🎧

[NIHR Global Health @NIHRglobal]

We've just released a new podcast episode - Inclusive CEI in health systems research.

Listen now to hear NIHR-funded researchers discuss inclusive engagement of marginalised communities in their health systems research in Syria and Ethiopia: https://t.co/bUphp1Yx6Z 🎧

[Saumu Lwembe @Chislwe]

@NIHRglobal @ShemOchola @MEsipisu

[NIHR Global Health @NIHRglobal]

Have you ever been curious about how policy makers can be involved in health and care research?

In this webinar, hear from policy makers that have been on the frontline supporting design, delivery and the uptake of evidence into policy 👉 https://t.co/VZ9r1GhgwS

[NIHR Global Health @NIHRglobal]

Learn from NIHR-funded researchers with real life experience of engaging and involving Indigenous and native communities in global health research with our latest podcast episode.

🎧 Listen now: https://t.co/yJZp2QIYCm

[Saumu Lwembe @Chislwe]

@lynn_ngugi1 😥

[NIHR Global Health @NIHRglobal]

We've just released a new podcast episode - Engaging and involving Indigenous and native communities.

Listen now to hear NIHR-funded researchers share their experiences of being involved in health research with Indigenous communities in Latin America: https://t.co/yJZp2QIYCm

[NIHR Involvement @NIHRinvolvement]

Take a look at this blog from @ARC_EoE PPI lead Bryony Porter. She shares how her team have created an online resource with impactful examples of successful community engagement across the East of England.

Find out more: https://t.co/qX7xMFYiTC

[Saumu Lwembe @Chislwe]

@NIHRglobal Does public involvement in health and care research differ across geographical settings and disciplines?
I am happy to be chairing this webinar alongside Dr Gary Hickey, gathering insights from public and community members from UK/LMIC, with reflections from Dr Esther Mukuka.

[Saumu Lwembe @Chislwe]

@NIHRglobal Does public involvement in health and care research differ across geographical settings and disciplines?
I am happy to be chairing this webinar alongside Dr Gary Hickey, gathering insights from public and community members from UK/LMIC, with reflections from Dr Esther Mukuka.

[NIHR Global Health @NIHRglobal]

Join us on Thursday 27 February as we gather insights into whether public involvement in health and care research differs across geographical settings and disciplines.

Sign up to the free webinar ➡️ https://t.co/zewsHwpgRf