Health CS Deborah Barasa Appoints Timothy Olweny as Chair of National Cancer Institute

Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa has appointed Timothy Olweny as the new chairperson of the National Cancer Institute (NCI). The appointment, detailed in a gazette notice dated September 16, 2024, will see Olweny take on this pivotal role for a term of three years, effective September 17, 2024.

This decision marks a strategic shift in Kenya’s approach to tackling cancer, a disease that has increasingly become a major public health challenge in the country. The NCI is tasked with leading national efforts in cancer prevention, treatment, and research, making the role of its chairperson crucial in shaping the country’s cancer policies and programs.

Olweny’s appointment comes as part of a broader effort to enhance the efficacy and impact of the NCI. His predecessor, Gitahi Githinji, has been replaced following the CS’s directive. Barasa’s decision reflects a commitment to infuse new leadership into the institute, aligning with the Cancer Prevention and Control Act, 2012, which governs the establishment and operations of the NCI.

Timothy Olweny is no stranger to leadership roles within the healthcare sector. Before his new appointment, he served as the chairman of the Social Health Authority Board, a position that allowed him to gain extensive experience in managing health programs and overseeing health policy implementation. His tenure at the Social Health Authority Board involved significant work in advancing social health initiatives and improving healthcare delivery systems, laying a strong foundation for his new role at the NCI.

Barasa’s appointment of Olweny signals a proactive approach to addressing Kenya’s cancer crisis. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cancer is one of the leading causes of death in Kenya, with increasing incidence rates that pose a serious public health challenge. The NCI, under Olweny’s leadership, is expected to focus on improving cancer screening programs, expanding access to treatment, and fostering research to develop innovative cancer therapies.

In her announcement, CS Barasa emphasized that Olweny’s expertise and previous experience make him well-suited to steer the NCI towards achieving its goals. “Timothy Olweny brings a wealth of experience in health management and policy,” Barasa noted. “His leadership will be instrumental in advancing our national cancer control strategies and ensuring that we make significant strides in cancer prevention and treatment.”

Olweny’s appointment is seen as a move towards strengthening the institutional capacity of the NCI. It is anticipated that his leadership will drive forward various initiatives aimed at improving cancer care and support services across Kenya. Among the key priorities for the NCI under Olweny’s chairmanship will likely be enhancing public awareness about cancer prevention, increasing the availability of cancer screening and diagnostic services, and supporting research efforts to better understand cancer trends and treatment options in the Kenyan context.

Furthermore, Olweny’s background in social health management could bring a unique perspective to the NCI, potentially leading to more integrated and community-focused approaches in cancer care. His previous work demonstrated his ability to navigate complex health systems and work collaboratively with various stakeholders to achieve health outcomes.

As Kenya continues to grapple with the growing burden of cancer, the appointment of Timothy Olweny as the chairperson of the National Cancer Institute represents a hopeful step towards more effective cancer management and prevention strategies. With his leadership, the NCI is poised to make significant progress in combating one of the most pressing health issues facing the nation today.