Dr Maricianah Onono MB ChB MS PhD

Senior Principal Clinical Research Scientist, and Acting Director of Scientific Programs, Partnerships, and Grants Management, KEMRI

Onono Maricianah is a Medical Doctor, Senior Principal Clinical Research Scientist, and Acting Director of Scientific Programs, Partnerships, and Grants Management at KEMRI. With nearly 20 years of experience, she specializes in designing, conducting, monitoring, evaluating, interpreting, and reporting field, clinical, and implementation science research studies.

In addition to overseeing study execution, she drives collaborative research efforts by developing funding strategies, establishing partnerships locally, regionally, and internationally with Ministries of Health, NGOs/INGOs, academic institutions, and donors. She has authored over 90 peer-reviewed publications and delivered impactful scientific presentations at both local and international conferences and stakeholder events.

Her academic background includes a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery from the University of Nairobi, a Master of Science in Clinical Research from the University of Liverpool, and a PhD in Global Health Sciences from the University of California San Francisco.

Her key responsibilities encompass:

Directing the planning and implementation of six scientific research programs covering various areas such as Biotechnology, Infectious and Parasitic diseases, Non-communicable diseases, One-Health and Climate Health, Sexual Reproductive Adolescent and Child Health, Public Health, and Health systems.
Coordinating research financing by developing strategies to attract funding and providing support in grants development and management.
Fostering partnerships and research collaborations with over 200 partners and County Governments.
Acting as a liaison with Government Ministries, research institutions, universities, the National Council for Science and Technology and Innovations (NACOSTI), and other organizations for research collaboration.
Organizing and leading meetings with collaborators, partners, and stakeholders.
Overseeing the implementation of multi-site clinical studies focusing on public health/epidemiology, infectious diseases, and reproductive health.