DEPARTMENT OF RESEARCH & EVIDENCE

Generating actionable knowledge for health research impact

Rigorous research, analysis, and evidence translation to inform policy, programs & community action.

Turning data into decisions

The Research & Evidence Department serves as the intellectual engine of UWRA. We design, conduct, and translate research that directly informs health policy, program design, and community interventions.

Our work spans quantitative and qualitative methodologies, community-based participatory research, systematic reviews, and evidence synthesis. We prioritize research that addresses pressing health challenges in Kenya and across Africa — from infectious diseases to non-communicable conditions, from maternal health to mental wellbeing.

Beyond generating evidence, we specialize in translation: converting complex findings into accessible briefs, toolkits, and recommendations that drive real-world action.

22+

Ready-to-publish Docs

8+

Active research collaborations

4

Ongoing studies

Our research priorities

Non-Communicable Diseases

Epidemiological studies on hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and risk factors across Kenyan populations.

Mental Health

Prevalence studies, intervention research, and implementation science for mental health services in low-resource settings.

Maternal & Child Health

Research on access, quality, and outcomes of reproductive, maternal, newborn, and child health services.

Infectious Diseases

Studies on malaria, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and emerging threats including antimicrobial resistance patterns.

Aging & Elder Care

Research on healthy aging, dementia care, falls prevention, and social determinants of elder health.

Health Systems Strengthening

Operational research on service delivery, financing, governance, and quality improvement.

Our research approaches

Quantitative

Surveys, epidemiological studies, clinical data analysis

Qualitative

Focus groups, interviews, participatory methods

Systematic Reviews

Evidence synthesis and meta-analysis

Implementation Science

Translating evidence into practice

Current research studies

Hypertension prevalence and management

Urban and rural communities in Kiambu and Kisumu counties

Adolescent mental health

School-based prevalence and intervention study

Antimicrobial resistance patterns

Surveillance study in tertiary hospitals

Elder care needs assessment

Mixed-methods study across three counties

Research partners

University Partners

Joint studies on NCDs, NTDs, Mental Health and health systems

NGO Partners

Collaborative infectious disease research

National Partners

Policy-relevant operational research

International partners

Global health research networks

From research to action

We don't just produce research — we translate it into formats that drive change: policy briefs, community guides, infographics, and training materials.

Policy Brief: Hypertension Management in Primary Care (2025)
Research Report: Adolescent Mental Health in Kenyan Schools (2025)
Evidence Summary: Antimicrobial Resistance Patterns (2025)
Toolkit: Community-Based Participatory Research Guide (2025)
View all publications →

Research leadership & team

Head of Research

PhD Epidemiology
5+ years experience

Senior Biostatistician

Data analysis & methodology

Qualitative Lead

Community-based research

Evidence Translation Specialist

Policy briefs & dissemination

Collaborate on research that matters

Partner with our research department for studies, evidence synthesis, or research translation.

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