KEMRI Announces DNA Testing Price Hike to Ksh27,000 Starting January 2025
The Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) has revealed that the cost of DNA testing services will rise in 2025.
In a statement released on Wednesday, January 8, KEMRI indicated that the price would go up by Ksh7,000, bringing the total to Ksh27,000.
“We wish to inform our valued customers of a marginal price adjustment for the DNA Testing Service from Ksh20,000 to Ksh27,000 starting this January 2025,” the statement read.
The KEMRI Human DNA Identification Laboratory (HID) provides DNA testing services focused on paternity and family relationship assessments, which have gained popularity recently.
The lab caters to both private clients and those referred by the courts, particularly in family matters related to child support.
In April 2024, there was false information circulating about the government implementing mandatory DNA testing for newborns at birth.
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However, the Ministry of Health promptly clarified that there were no plans for such a policy.
At present, DNA testing is only required in the context of criminal investigations or court-ordered paternity tests.
In 2023, DNA home test kits priced at Ksh600 entered the Kenyan market, igniting a discussion about their accuracy and safety.
The Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) even warned Kenyans to be cautious, indicating that these kits had not received authorization for sale in Kenya.
“It has been brought to the attention of the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) that unauthorized home DNA test kits are being marketed on digital platforms for retail in the Kenyan market,” read the statement in part.
“Please note that the PPB has not authorized any retailer to sell such kits and hereby appeals to the public to be on the lookout for retailers marketing these Kits.”
KEMRI Announces DNA Testing Price Hike to Ksh27,000 Starting January 2025
