Evidence that moves policy
For over five decades, Population Council Kenya has worked alongside government, communities, and researchers to generate the evidence behind how reproductive health, HIV, and gender programs are designed and funded — from national policy down to county-level family planning partnerships.
Evidence That Moves Policy
Population Council Kenya is a Nairobi-based, locally rooted research organization with a regional mandate across sub-Saharan Africa. As part of the global Population Council network, we specialize in generating rigorous, context-relevant evidence to address complex health and development challenges affecting underserved populations.
Our work is anchored in a research-to-impact model that integrates epidemiological, behavioural, and health systems research with active engagement in policy and program design, implementation, and scale-up. We prioritize co-creation with government, communities, and implementing partners to ensure that evidence is directly embedded into decision-making and delivery systems, contributing to equitable and resilient health and social systems.
We deliver end-to-end research and translation capacity, from study design through to policy and program uptake, with deep expertise in sexual and reproductive health and rights, gender-based violence, adolescent health and well-being, and infectious disease programming. In parallel, we provide technical assistance across sub-Saharan Africa, supporting monitoring, evaluation, and learning systems that strengthen adaptive programming and long-term impact.
from government ministries to global research institutions
We envision an equitable and sustainable future for the health and wellbeing of all people within Kenya and the rest of sub-Saharan Africa.
We co-create ideas, generate rigorous evidence, and translate research into policies and programs that improve the lives of underserved populations in Kenya and sub-Saharan Africa.
We take a rigorous scientific approach to developing innovative products and evaluating the efficiency and effectiveness of programs.
Population Council Kenya operates with trusted partners to engage in work within and outside Kenya.
We conduct our research under the highest ethical standards and are committed to open science.
We believe in the power of diverse perspectives, championing all voices, treating one another with dignity and respect, and building trust and belonging in the scientific process and within the organisation.
We are honest and transparent with our colleagues, collaborators and the populations we serve and hold ourselves accountable for our commitments.
Strategic Objectives
Thought Leadership
Be a recognized thought leader and knowledge partner for local research solutions.
Research
Pioneer cutting-edge data tools and methods, conduct multidisciplinary research, and systematically build bodies of evidence.
Research Impact
Catalyse the use of data and evidence-based tools to inform smart policies and sound investments.
Sustainability
Grow the next generation of scientists and researchers.
Our Value Proposition
Population Council Kenya combines deep local knowledge, rigorous research expertise, and strong partnerships to generate evidence that responds to real-world priorities and informs policy, programmes, and practice.
Benefits
We generate credible, actionable evidence that enables stakeholders to make informed decisions, strengthen policies and programmes, and maximize the value of investments in health and wellbeing. Our approach is locally rooted, globally connected, and cost-effective.
Features
We deliver rigorous, ethical, and replicable research through experienced multidisciplinary teams, multisectoral partnerships, and strong operational systems, ensuring quality and relevance across the research lifecycle.
Experience
We bring decades of research experience and deep contextual knowledge to every partnership. Through a collaborative and co-creative approach, we work with partners to understand their priorities, develop evidence-driven solutions, and support the translation of research into policy and practice.
We believe evidence has the power to transform lives.
Together, we move policy. Together, we create change.
Five decades of milestones
50+ Years of Impact
Reproductive HealthMarks five decades of evidence generation and program implementation across Kenya, with 340+ publications and programs reaching millions.
Urban Health Expansion
Reproductive HealthScales urban reproductive health programming to all major Nairobi informal settlements through the Afya Jijini USAID partnership.
DREAMS Partnership Begins
HIV & AIDSJoins the DREAMS initiative to reduce HIV among adolescent girls and young women in high-burden Kenyan counties.
AGEP Launched in Samburu
Gender & YouthThe Adolescent Girls Empowerment Program begins in Samburu County, pioneering a holistic, asset-based approach to girls' empowerment in ASAL regions.
HIV Research Expanded
HIV & AIDSLaunches multi-site HIV prevention research across the Lake Victoria region, establishing Kenya as a hub for biomedical HIV prevention trials.
Livelihoods & Safety Nets
Poverty & LivelihoodsBegins research on cash transfers and economic strengthening, shaping the design of national social protection programs for vulnerable households.
First National Family Planning Survey
Reproductive HealthPartners with the Government of Kenya on the first nationally representative contraceptive prevalence survey, informing Kenya's first FP policy.
Kenya Office Established
Reproductive HealthPopulation Council opens its Kenya office, one of the first in sub-Saharan Africa, to address rapid population growth and reproductive health needs.
“Rooted in Nairobi, reaching every corner of Kenya — and contributing to global knowledge.”
Population Council Kenya, General Accident House, Ralph Bunche Road, Nairobi