New DNA Prices Fees Starting 2025
The Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) has announced an increase in the price of DNA testing services, effective January 2025. According to a statement released on Wednesday, January 8, the cost of the service will rise from Ksh20,000 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,” read the statement.
The KEMRI Human DNA Identification Laboratory (HID) provides DNA testing services primarily for paternity and family relationship verification. These services cater to private clients and court referrals, especially in cases involving child support disputes.
This announcement comes against a backdrop of heightened public interest in DNA testing in Kenya. In April 2024, rumors circulated about the government planning to introduce mandatory DNA tests for newborns. The Ministry of Health promptly dismissed the claims, clarifying that no such policy was being considered. Currently, DNA tests are mandatory only in criminal investigations or court-ordered paternity cases.
In 2023, the availability of home DNA test kits priced at Ksh600 stirred controversy. The Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) warned the public against using the kits, citing safety and regulatory concerns.
“It has been brought to the attention of the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) that unauthorised home DNA test kits are being marketed on digital platforms for retail in the Kenyan market,” the PPB noted in a statement. The agency urged the public to avoid purchasing these unregulated products.
KEMRI’s latest price revision underscores the increasing demand and value placed on DNA testing services in the country
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New DNA Prices Fees Starting 2025
