KENYANS seeking to conduct DNA tests will be required to cough an extra amount of cash after the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) increased charges.
In a notice issued on January 8, 2025, KEMRI announced an increase of Ksh 7,000 per DNA test effective immediately.
Following the new Fee increase, Conducting a DNA test will now cost Kenyans Ksh 27,000 up from the Previous Ksh 20,000.
" We wish to inform our valued customers of a marginal price adjustment for the DNA Testing Service from Sh20,000 to Sh27,000 starting this January 2025 Thank you for your continued support,” Kemri said.
KEMRI HID laboratory is a leading laboratory in the provision of DNA testing services in the region.
They offer DNA Testing services in the area of paternity testing and family relationship testing in the facility that meets international standards hence ensuring quality service. The laboratory serves private clients as well as those referred from courts.
" KEMRI being primarily a research institute, the laboratory is keen on initiating and collaborating in the area of DNA forensics. We also offer training on DNA testing as way of contributing towards capacity building both locally and regionally." the Agency States.
According to KEMRI, DNA tests can be for legal or personal knowledge. The type of test chosen depends on what one intends to use the DNA test for.
Additionally, KEMRI HID Lab offers training on Forensic Serology and DNA analysis. The training covers both theoretical and practical aspects of forensic serology and DNA analysis.
In other news, The Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO) has issued a 14-day strike notice for being locked out of the recently rolled-out Social Health Authority (SHA) and a breach of last year’s return-to-work agreement.
KUCO’s general secretary and CEO, George Gibore, in a letter to Head of Public Service Felix Koskei, Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa, her Labour counterpart Alfred Mutua and the Council of Governors, among others, termed barring clinical officers from offering services through SHA discriminatory.
“This discrimination and exclusion has been occasioned by the blatant, illegal and illogical refusal by Social Health Authority to recognise the facilities and practitioners registered and licensed by Clinical Officers Council,” Gibore said.
He lamented that clinical officers are being coerced to license their facilities with the Kenya Medical Practitioners Dentist Council (KMPDC) to have them empaneled or contracted for the new public healthcare scheme.
“We see these as acts of regularised corruption and pursuit of self-interests rather than the common good,” Gibore said, adding that they have reached out to President William Ruto, Parliament, the Ministry of Health (MoH) and SHA, to no response.
Further, the clinical officers said MoH and county governments have breached the return-to-work agreement they signed last year as the union called off their 99-day strike.
The agreement comprised a collective bargaining agreement, promotions, comprehensive medical cover and the confirmation of universal health coverage (UHC) clinical officers and those in short-term contractual employment into permanent and pensionable employment terms.
“It is unfortunate that despite efforts from the union to follow up and expedite implementation of this agreement, employers especially county governments have remained adamant,” Gibore said.
The officers now demand immediate and unconditional recognition and empanelment of health providers and practitioners licensed by the Clinical Officers Council.
KUCO accuses government to implement the 2024 return-to-work agreement.
