Kenya Steps into the Global Schizophrenia Research Spotlight with KePROS Study

At the prestigious 2025 Annual Congress of the Schizophrenia International Research Society (SIRS) in Chicago, Illinois, Professor David M. Ndetei delivered a powerful keynote address that underscored Kenya’s leadership in advancing schizophrenia research across the African continent. As the founding director of the Africa Mental Health Research and Training Foundation and a trailblazer in mental health research in low-resource settings, Professor Ndetei used the global platform to spotlight the country’s growing contributions to the field of psychosis and schizophrenia research.

A central highlight of his speech was the Kenya Psychosis-Risk Outcomes Study (KePROS), an ambitious new research initiative that aims to identify biomarkers—measurable biological indicators—that can be used to predict the likelihood of progression to schizophrenia and related health outcomes.

These biomarkers may include genetic markers, neuroimaging findings, inflammation profiles, and cognitive performance measures, among others. The study will collect and analyze data from diverse Kenyan populations, creating a rich, context-specific dataset that reflects the unique environmental, social, and biological factors shaping mental health in Africa.

Why Biomarkers Matter

Currently, schizophrenia is diagnosed primarily based on observed behavioral symptoms and clinical interviews. This approach can be subjective and often results in delayed diagnosis and treatment. By identifying reliable biological markers, KePROS will enable earlier detection of individuals at risk of developing schizophrenia—particularly during the critical prodromal phase when symptoms begin to emerge but before full-blown illness occurs.

Moreover, the identification of biomarkers will allow for tailored treatment approaches, enabling clinicians to match patients with the most effective therapies based on their biological profiles. This personalized approach is especially crucial in settings where resources are limited and one-size-fits-all treatments may be ineffective or poorly tolerated.