Undertaking high quality research and generating scientific evidences is the best way of informing policy makers, private and public sectors; and advancing knowledge and innovations to tackle current and future challenges. In animal health, research evidences are essential to advance the contribution of the livestock and fisheries to the national economy and improve health of the public and welfare of animals. To effectively oversee and manage animal health research projects and programs, AHI has an Animal Health Research Sector headed by a Deputy General Director with the following roles and responsibilities;

• Develop strategic plan and ensure its proper implementation
• Coordinate and lead national animal health researches
• Conduct problem-solving research, and ensure that end users benefit from research outcomes
• Conduct disease outbreak investigation and provide appropriate recommendation to contain outbreak events before causing significant damage
• Conduct risk-based surveillance on rift valley fever and highly pathogenic avian influenza
• Conduct sero-monitoring of infectious diseases under control program such as Peste des petits ruminants(PPR).
• Deliver referral laboratory services for regional /subnational and national veterinary laboratories in the eastern Africa region.
• Deliver training on laboratory techniques, quality management system (QMS), biorisk management system, research methods and other issues that promote livestock and fishery industries.
• Provide consultancy services to livestock and fishery farming communities
• Collaborate with local and international research institutions, universities and other development partners.

Animal health research sector is organized by six lead executives, that include,

1. Microbiology research Lead Executive
2. Biotechnology Research Lead Executive
3. Parasitology Research Lead Executive
4. Epidemiology and Research Excellence Lead Executive
5. Laboratory System and Capacity Building Lead Executive
6. Pathology and Toxicology Lead Executive