This article examines the complex interactions and strategies for engagement--both existing as well as desired--between academic Knowledge Brokers (KBs) and national health policymakers in Kenya. Based on semi-structured interviews with academic KBs and university leaders from six Schools of Public Health (SPHs) as well as national policymakers, the authors found that a delicate balance between leveraging personal individual relationships and establishing more sustained institutional partnerships is important for engagement. The authors provide a list of recommended strategies for effective and tailored engagement, and highlight the important but under-appreciated dual role of academic KBs within Kenyan universities.